Recognition in the Kirklees Care Awards for Five Members of the Hollybank Team

In a new awards ceremony set up the Kirklees Care Association (KirCA), five members of the Hollybank team received well-earned and merited recognition for their work in care, with two team members taking home a win and another three team members chosen from over 100 nominees to be placed in the competitive shortlist.

The ten categories in this newly established awards ceremony, known as the Kirklees Care Awards , set out to recognise and reward unsung heroes who exemplify compassion, going the extra mile, and exceptional talent in care. The Kirklees Care Association hosted a fabulous evening to celebrate the incredible work that social care colleagues complete every day in Kirklees, providing the best quality of life to individuals with different care needs. The reputable event was attended and supported by senior leaders of sector partners including Director of Adult Social Care Services in Kirklees, CEO of NHS, West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, the Mayor of Kirklees, the Councillor with portfolio for Adult Social Care, and Hollybank Trust Chief Executive, Anna O’Mahony, who is a member of the KirCA Executive Board.

KirCA CEO was proud to have been able to deliver this positive celebration of the wonderful work taking place across the independent and VCSE Adult Social Care sector in Kirklees. From caregivers and support workers who provide daily personalised support to those in need, to ancillary staff and healthcare professionals, all who go that extra mile in their roles, the Kirklees area is teeming with compassionate individuals, all with heartfelt stories of their own to share.

Three overall finalists from each category were selected from the nominees, and we’re proud to share with you and congratulate the winners and finalists from Hollybank Trust…

The winners from Hollybank Trust were: 

Ancillary Support Category 

Charlotte Aspin, Senior Cleaner, Hollybank Trust

Charlotte commented: “I had a fantastic evening at the KirCA Awards. I’ve worked at Hollybank for over eight years, and I have to say that one of the things that I love the most about working there is the people. My team are extremely supportive of one another. I enjoy being on my feet and hands-on in my role and since my job involves being out and about in different care homes, I have also built-up good relationships with the adults, children and young people we support.”

Senior Support Worker Category

Jenna Richardson, Senior Support Workers, Holly Court, Hollybank Trust

“I feel honoured to have won the award and proud to have achieved it in the time I’ve worked at Hollybank. I started my role in 2018 and I love the fact that my role means I can make a difference to peoples lives. My role is fast paced and challenging and no week is the same because there’s always lots to do to make sure that we deliver the highest standard of care and give the guys the best quality of life possible.”

The finalists from Hollybank Trust were:

Ancillary Support category 

Catherine Summers, Speech and Language Therapy Team, Hollybank Trust

Activity coordinator category

Amelia Roberts, Activities Coordinator, ELMS, Hollybank Trust

Registered Manger category 

Amanada Cairns, Registered Manager, Holly Court, Hollybank Trust

Recognition like this is more to people than just an award and certificate, as it serves as a reminder that that the work they carry out is truly valued and does not go unnoticed. Awards ceremonies like the Kirklees Care Awards instil a sense of pride in winners, nominees, and their team members cheering them on from the care home or care facility where they work together.

The Kirklees Care Awards applauds every act of kindness, which ties in with our Be Someone values at Hollybank, contributing to a collective and compassionate approach to care and bringing the local care community together.

Anna O’Mahony, Chief Executive at Hollybank Trust, commented: “It was an absolute honour to attend the awards ceremony and see Hollybank shortlisted in five of the ten categories. Every person at Hollybank works so hard to deliver Quality of Life for Life. However, the five finalists stood out this year; colleagues took the time to submit a nomination to share this great practice and recognise the impact they have had. I congratulate the five finalists and the two winners for their massive contribution to Hollybank and the children, young people and adults we are here to support. Well done!  So very proud.”

In a similar way, the Kirklees Care Association work together towards an improved social care and health experience for every person who accesses services or works in the care sector, and they are looking forward to the continued growth of the brand new KirCA awards ceremony in the near future.