Care Heroes Shine at Stars of Social Care Awards

Care Heroes Shine at Stars of Social Care Awards

The Stars of Social Care Awards 2024 recently celebrated the exceptional contributions of carers, with Belong at Home receiving a special spotlight for the work of community support workers from our Warrington and Wigan teams.

Warrington’s Julie Hopper was ‘highly commended’ in the Reducing Social Isolation category for her unwavering dedication to one of her customers who had become extremely isolated due to her dementia. Adopting the compassionate and personalised approach for all those whom she supports, Julie transformed her customer’s life by helping her regain confidence and build new social connections.

The judges were full of praise, noting: "Julie was able to break down barriers and change people’s perceptions through building an unbreakable trust with her client. Her client now has the confidence to communicate with new people and is able to live without fear."

Julie’s approach went beyond traditional care methods, having invested considerable time and effort in understanding her customer's individual needs and fostering a supportive environment that encouraged social interaction. This tailored care plan enabled her customer to overcome the isolation that had previously dominated her life.

The impact of Julie’s work was profound, not only enhancing her customer’s quality of life but also challenging the broader community’s perceptions of individuals living with dementia. By demonstrating that personalised care could lead to significant positive changes, Julie set a powerful example for others in the field of social care.

In addition to Julie’s commendation, Belong at Home was well-represented at the awards. Warrington team leader Nicola Hewitt was shortlisted for the Fabulous Frontline Leader Award. Further, community support worker Sharon Haigh from Belong at Home Wigan was a finalist for the Inspirational Home Care Worker of the Year. This highlighted the exceptional commitment and quality of care provided by the teams, showcasing dedication to excellence in social care.