Appreciation of Efforts Awards 2009

On the 3rd December Warrington Disability Partnership held their AGM and Annual Appreciation of Efforts Awards. These awards are presented for excellence in support, services and/or employment for disabled people and/or carers. The winners were:

BUPA Residential Care Home
An Employer who offers employment through WDP providing recruitment, training courses and assistance with interviews throughout 2008/9 they have 4 people with health conditions in post and offered to WDP Users a further 3 posts last month.

Dave Mercer
An Individual taxi driver who drives an accessible taxi. Nothing seems to be too much trouble for him and we have reports that he is always smiling and will go out of his way to make sure his customers are happy, these extra bits make him a worthy winner of this award.

Debbie Norman - One Stop Café
A winner who has been exceptionally generous to a family with a disabled person. When a family member died suddenly she helped them arrange the funeral provided a free buffet, agreed to stay open to provide Christmas dinner, this is one family who have received her Tender Loving Care - given generously to help others.

HMP Risley and HMP YOI Thorn Cross
This winner has promoted health and wellbeing within prison services, providing regular health programmes and disability awareness sessions (supported by WDP) promoting fitness and training sessions. These sessions have been organised and promoted as part of her role of Health Improvement Practioner. Winner - Julia Hopwood

Kath Jones - Long Lane Centre
Without this winner the Long Lane Garden Centre Project would never have happened. She saw opportunities for people with learning disabilities to engage in activities within Horticulture. It was her determination and commitment to see this happen, she endured sleepless nights and endless discussions about toilets and grant applications. She has seen her dream come true and is planning what will to do next.

Ilham's - Barber Shop
This person shows a lot of understanding of people's needs and requirements, he is of Turkish descendence, has excellent understanding of English and the needs of disabled people, without making anyone uncomfortable. Giving the same service to all his customers, he has accessible space for wheelchair users and staff are very attentive.

St. Oswalds House Nursing Home
The client of the nominator for this winner had a truly wonderful experience when they applied for a job opportunity. The job she applied for was partly suitable to her, but there parts which just wasn't. The manager took the parts the client couldn't do away from the job and changed the hours of employment to suit. They have just completed 26 weeks sustained employment.

Starbucks Warrington
This employer offered support and dedication, to a young man 15 months after leaving them due to a brain tumour and brain haemorrhage. They have raised funds to help him in hospital and to fund a sports wheelchair. They have also supported him mentally and physically throughout his ongoing recovery.

Tina Wells - PA - Direct Payments
This lady has given support to a young man for a number of years enabling him to live independently within the community. Without her help and encouragement he would probably not be where he is today. Her role as a personal assistant can be quite isolating and at times challenging. The relationship is more than being his employee, he is treated like a member of her family.

Warrington MENCAP Housing Team
The Housing Team working with people with learning disabilities have been consistent in encouraging and enabling residents to be involved within their community. They have achieved this in very difficult circumstances with a smile, always maintaining a professional and determined attitude, making sure the residents are well protected.