Bury’s care and support services celebrated at first ever PersonAwards

The hard work and dedication of staff and volunteers from across Bury’s care and support services were recognised last Thursday at the first annual PersonAwards.

The awards were organised by Persona which delivers a range of social care support options for over 1,000 adults and older people across the town. The night marked the first anniversary of the company’s creation, after it began delivering services previously run by Bury Council in October 2015.

An independent company wholly owned by the council, Persona runs 14 centres across the town, including Elmhurst Short Stay Centre, The Green and the Grundy Centre. It also delivers care and support for people in their own homes.

Persona’s employees and volunteers, who support young people with additional needs, people with learning disabilities, people with physical disabilities, older people, people living with dementia and people with autism, were recognised with awards across nine different categories.

Nominations flooded in during the months leading up to the ceremony and there was high praise for the unswerving dedication of staff and the continuity and ongoing improvements in services following the transition from the council.

The husband of one customer wrote: “All the staff are very kind, caring, professional and thoughtful. The break I get from my caring role is invaluable.”

Another added: “My wife is known by every member of staff. They use her name and look after her very well. While she is at Pinfold I attend Bury College to gain housekeeping knowledge that my wife has forgotten which helps keep our home as she would wish to – without Pinfold’s help this would not be possible.”

Councillor Rishi Shori, leader of Bury Council, said: “I’ve been closely involved in the development of Persona and it’s wonderful to see the progress it has made since it ‘stepped away’ from the council last year.

“The positive feedback and enthusiasm captured in the nominations at this year’s PersonAwards show that the transition has been managed fantastically well and I look forward to seeing what the future will hold for this innovative company.”

Maria Hughes (aged 22) from Prestwich was crowned Young Carer of the Year. She joined Persona last October and received particular praise for the dedication she has shown to her role.

Maria, who was unable to swim, paid for swimming lessons which she attended outside work hours, so that she was able to accompany a customer when they went swimming at the local leisure centre.

Meanwhile, a 38-strong team at Spurr House, a short stay centre in Unsworth, received the Dignity Award, which recognised their dedication to maintaining the personal dignity and independence of their visitors.

One customer praised the care their mother received there: “They are all stars in my opinion and I don’t know what we would do without them. Staff at Spurr House have always treated her with respect and patience.”

Kat Sowden, managing director at Persona, said: “The sheer volume of nominations we received was genuinely overwhelming. Each one was heartfelt and each one told a story of the amazing difference care and support workers can make to someone’s life. Careers in care and support can be challenging at times but they are also incredibly rewarding and tonight is our way of recognising excellence and celebrating it.”

The 2016 PersonAward winners were:

• Volunteer of the Year – Graham Peters
• Young Carer of the Year – Maria Hughes
• Employee of the Year – Lorraine Higham
• Team of the Year – The Victoria Centre
• The Dignity Award – Spurr House Short Stay
• The Innovation Award – Stella Parker, Michelle Walsh and Paula Lythgoe
• Manager of the Year – Anna Craig
• Making a Difference to Customers Award – Partnership of Ramsbottom Day Service and Positive Lives Team who supported a specific gentleman

• Learner of the Year – Debbie Riley

The ceremony was held on 6 October 2016 in the Elizabethan Suite at Bury Town Hall and was hosted by comedian Smug Roberts.

ENDS

Press release issued: 11 October 2016.

Picture: Team members from Spurr House Short Stay centre – winners of the Dignity Award.

Note to Editors

About Persona

Persona is an independent company wholly owned by Bury Council. It delivers a range of care support options across Bury through 14 centres, as well as in people’s homes.

Persona provides care for young people with additional needs, people with learning disabilities, people with physical disabilities, older people, people living with dementia, people with autism, and carers.

Its range of services include:

• Days – specialist daytime support aimed at improving health and wellbeing through tailored activities and opportunities for people to connect and socialise.
• Stays – accommodation and care for people who need to stay for a short period of time. Reasons for visits include temporary stays due to house renovations/awaiting equipment, stays to help with hospital recovery, respite for family members, family carers and even planned holidays.
• Lives – care and support for people to live in the comfort of their own home and get out and about in their local community.

Find out more at: http://www.personasupport.org/

Persona on social media:

Twitter: @PersonaBury

Facebook: Persona Care and Support

Linkedin: Persona Care and Support