12 Carers of Christmas
There are few people who bring as much cheer into the world on a day to day basis as carers. They are the warmth by a lonely fireside, the stocking on a bare foot, and the hope behind a knocked door. So we asked for anyone who knows a carer who deserves recognition to share their stories with us, and we will be telling 12 of those stories over the next two weeks here on this page. You can also read the stories of our winners in 2019. So put the kettle on, cuddle up on the couch and enjoy some good old fashioned cheer courtesy of the wonderful work of some of our sector’s guiding lights.
Nicola Chapman
When facing elemental forces our 12th carer of Christmas, Nicola Chapman, responds in kind. Armed with her trusty Land Rover and armoured with her spirit Nicola has plunged into heavy snow falls and pounding squalls to help deliver her colleagues to their isolated service users.
Anjuli Chimariya
Anjuli Chimariya has only been working with HTR Care and Recruitment for six months, yet in that time she has already built a reputation for understanding and respecting everyone she meets, giving the gift of dignity to her service users every day.
Kathryn Ashton-Hillier
Our tenth carer is Kathryn Ashton-Hillier, “One of those rare gems that come along once in a lifetime: no matter what life throws at her she continues to work hard, never complaining and always there with a smile.”
Michelle Fane
Our ninth carer of Christmas is Michelle Fane, a Team Leader with Medical Partnerships in Essex. Michelle has been a guiding light throughout the pandemic, as she continuously stepped up to meet the considerable demands facing her team.
Emma Sheldon
Our eighth carer of Christmas is Emma Sheldon. Emma is a consistent source of positivity and problem solving for the team at Social Care in Action. A crucial balancing act for any registered manager to accomplish, and one Emma achieves with her own flair and independent spirit.
Suzanne Collier
Our seventh carer of Christmas is Suzanne Collier of Milcare. Suzanne is an organisational trainer by title, but a master of all trades by practice. She is dedicated to making each service user feel valued and validated, by tailoring her approach to meet their specific needs.
Elvis Otim
Our sixth carer for Christmas is Elvis Otim of DCK Care in Nottingham. Elvis was a professional football player for Barnsley and Nottingham Forest before becoming a home carer in February 2020 – a unique transition even amongst a workforce as diverse as careworkers!
Rowenna Macormac
Our fifth carer of Christmas is Rowenna Macormac of Tavy Care Services. A woman of many talents, Rowenna draws on her multifaceted skill set to provide a style of care that is uniquely hers for both her service users, and when the situation calls for it, her colleagues.
Andy Kaye
Our fourth carer of Christmas is Andy Kaye. Andy only started working for Milcare 12 months ago, entering the sector in one of its most challenging times. Despite this, it was a short space of time before Andy became a bedrock of support for his service users.
Sara Blewitt
Our third carer of Christmas is Sara Blewitt, who works with Rosemont Care in Medway. Sara is a skilled carer who epitomises the power of connection that home care can build. A connection not just between carer and service user, but with local communities, other support staff, or even family.
Samaneh Bojnordifard
Our second carer of Christmas is Samaneh Bojnordifard. Samenah has only been working with Leison Care Services since September, but has already developed deep connections with both her colleagues and service users.
Katherine Skinner
Our first carer of Christmas this year is Katherine Skinner. Katherine is a dedicated carer who works with individuals, groups and her own family. In fact, it was Katherine’s husband Paul who nominated her, as he felt she deserved recognition for the incredible impact she has on the lives of those around her.