THESE are the nominees for Keyworker of the Year for the Pride of Cumbria awards, which celebrates people who sprang into action to help their communities.
Vital keyworkers who enrich Cumbrian communities are being celebrated.
The finalists for this category all work within the care sector and they are all being praised for that essential work that they provide, and which has left a lasting memory with those they have supported.
They are the ones who have played a vital role and gone above and beyond what is expected to provide support to those who needed it most – and under the most challenging circumstances.
These three people have been nominated for Keyworker of the Year:
Rebecca Whitehead, head of care at Summerhill Care Home, has been described as an absolute godsend to the Summerhill Care Home in supporting the residents and other staff members through a difficult period.
Based in Kendal, Rebecca said she 'felt very proud' of her nomination and when asked about what this meant for her, she said: “I am just happy people thought I was worthy of this nomination”.
A nomination entry said: “There are not many people who could have coped with what Rebecca did, but she did it with a calm, reassuring nature, whilst keeping everyone smiling and in a positive mindset.
"She has been an absolute credit to Summerhill.”
Sean Moore also works at Summerhill Care Home and makes up another nominee for this category. Sean encourages an atmosphere of fun and inclusion and runs a weekly programme of events which includes talks from local people willing to share their talents.
He arranges for performers from the area to regularly visit and entertain residents with songs, sketches, singing and dancing.
When asked how he felt after learning about his nomination, Sean said: “I was shocked, very, very shocked.”
“But it is just my job isn’t it, and I do my job as best as I can”
A nomination entry said “Sean is amazing at what he does. He can so naturally build rapport with residents, relatives and staff. After meeting Sean for five minutes, he feels like a long-time friend.
"Sean is very generous with his efforts. If you are having a bad day, just chatting with Sean can change your mindset. This energy has such a positive effect on the wellbeing of residents, who are constantly smiling and laughing in his company.”
And rounding up the list of nominees is Ann Delahunty, whose work with Home Instead has provided immeasurable help across the area. Ann used to be a swimming coach and realised after looking after her partner who had dementia that she wanted to work in care.
Ann provides extra special care to her clients including knitting special matching hats for her and her clients. She wants the best for care professionals and her clients.
She always creates special moment with her clients including giving roses on Valentine’s Day and often works on Christmas day cooking fantastic Christmas lunches and ensuring that those who would otherwise be alone feel loved.
After going through a tough time, Ann said: “It is an honour, and I am thrilled to be nominated. My job brought me back to where I needed to be, and my clients are like my family”
Ann’s nominator said: “Ann goes above and beyond. She is ALWAYS flexible and ready to cover if colleagues are off and particularly during Covid she has covered lots of extra visits.
"This has helped to ensure that none of our clients have gone without care.”
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