Exceptional staff and volunteers at Epsom mental health and learning disability services were celebrated for their creativity and ingenuity at a ceremony at Epsom Downs Racecourse.

Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust praised the work of award winners at its eleventh annual prize-giving event last week.

The chair of Survivors of the Bereaved by Suicide, a charity offering support to bereaved adults across the UK, was the special guest speaker at the event on Thursday, March 9.

Angela Samata took up the role of chair after the suicide of her partner 12 years ago, and now sits on an All Party Parliamentary Group looking at suicide prevention in England and Wales.

The Deputy Mayor of Epsom and Ewell, Councillor Liz Frost, was among 170 guests at the ceremony.

More than 160 people and organisations were nominated for the awards, and winners were given Gold, Silver, or Bronze in each category.

Winners from Epsom included:

  • Positive CARE Champion of the Year - Gold
    Intensive Support Service for People with a Learning Disability, Deacon Unit, St Ebba’s, on Hook Road

Epsom Fiona Edwards, Chief Executive at Surrey and Borders Partnership, said at the event: “They have been innovative in their approach to supporting people with very complex behaviours in a positive and consistent way.”

  • Non-Clinical CARE Support Worker of the Year - Gold
    Muriel Dorignac, Administrator, Children and Young People’s Eating Disorders Services, Willow, St Ebba’s, Epsom

Ms Edwards said: “Muriel is described as the glue that holds her team together and the oil that makes the machine run smoothly.

“She can always be relied upon to support the parents and young people that access the service as well as the staff team.

“Her calm manner is such an asset when working with families under significant stress.”

  • CARE Employee of the Year - Silver
    Claire Clifford, Intensive Support Service for People with a Learning Disability, Deacon Unit, St Ebba’s, Epsom

SABP Chief Executive Fiona Edwards said: “Claire has inspired leaders from other agencies to work collaboratively and has formed working relationships that transcend boundaries – always looking at what is the best for the person.

“She is committed to ensuring that people with learning disabilities are at the centre of their care – ensuring that whilst all processes are completed, the human rights and dignity of the person is never compromised.”

  • Clinical CARE Support Worker of the Year - Silver
    Theo Okeke, Deacon Unit, St Ebba’s, Epsom

Your Local Guardian:

At the event, a colleague of Theo’s said: “Theo has an excellent work ethic and demeanour.

“He has been a great support and there is nothing that is too much trouble for him.

“He has been so wonderfully helpful.”

  • CARE Involvement Champion of the Year - Silver
    Katie Nurse, Activities Coordinator for people with learning disabilities, Ramsay House, West Park Hospital site in Epsom

Your Local Guardian:

At the event, Jon Milne, Social Care Service Manager, said: “Katie works in a very person-centred way with people, using technology to find out their interests and engaging with people in a way that allows them to express themselves, particularly when they have limited routes of communicating.”

  • CARE Involvement Champion of the Year - Bronze
    Specialist Practitioners, Community Mental Health Team for Older People, Mid-Surrey, based at The Meadows on West Park Hospital site in Epsom

Your Local Guardian:

Fiona Edwards said: “The team has inspired and motivated others to think in a creative and expanded clinical manner.

“Their sensitivity to working with people has extended and exceeded what would normally be expected of them in their job to be inclusive of colleagues needing to access specialist skills and knowledge.”

Fiona Edwards, Chief Executive at Surrey and Borders Partnership, added: “The level of dedication we have seen on display tonight is truly inspiring.

“We have heard stories of creativity, ingenuity and partnership working to better improve the lives of people who use our services, and I want to thank our staff, partners, volunteers and everyone else who has contributed for their tireless efforts.”

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