A CARER from Thornbury has been honoured with an award for her hard work.

Samantha Jones from Grace Care Centre has been awarded the personal development award at the 2023 Trust Recognition Awards. 

The centre is one of 12 homes run by The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) which celebrated its employees and volunteers at the awards. 

Over 180 guests attended the 2023 Trust Recognition Awards ceremonies, where Dan Hayes, Chief Executive, gave the Opening Address. 

Candidates for the Trust Recognition Awards were nominated by colleagues, residents, and friends of care homes. 

Nominations were judged by a panel and finalists invited to the awards, where award winners were presented with trophies. 

Matt Jones, OSJCT South Director, said: "Teams in our care homes work with dedication throughout the year. Along with volunteers and residents, our teams make OSJCT care homes wonderful, vibrant places to live and work. 

“Employees in all roles are committed to achieving and maintaining the highest standard of care for residents.

"These awards for employees and volunteers give special recognition to those who have been put forward for their endeavours by colleagues, or residents and their family members.

"It was delightful to celebrate individual and team successes.” 

This year’s award winners were:

The Personal Development Award

  • Samantha Jones, Carer, Grace Care Centre, Thornbury

Exceptional Dedication to Caring Award

  • Adam (Bob) Hill, Care Assistant, Chestnut Court, Quedgeley
  • Stephanie Uzzell, Care Leader, The Lakes Care Centre, South Cerney

The Empowerment Award

  • Rosario Guirado, Care Leader, Windsor St, Cheltenham

Unsung Hero of the Year

  • Marissa De la Cruz, Senior Nurse, Monkscroft Care Centre, Cheltenham
  • Matthew Peach, Deputy Home Manager, Edwardstow Care Centre, Stow on the Wold
  • Clive Colton, Volunteer, Chestnut Court, Quedgeley
  • Carole Smith, Volunteer, Paternoster House, Cirencester

Trust Efficiency and Development Award

  • Gemma Joynes, Activities Co-ordinator, Edwardstow Care Centre, Stow on the Wold

Long Service Awards - two employees, who have worked for the Trust for 30 years, received Long Service Awards:

  • Heather Edmunds, Administration Assistant, Rodley House, Lydney                                              
  • Janet Neeley, Carer, Jubilee Lodge, Bourton on the Water 

The Chairman’s Commendation for Meritorious Service was awarded to:

  • Sarah Davis, Activities Co-ordinator, Monkscroft Care Centre, Cheltenham
  • Matthew Peach, Deputy Home Manager, Edwardstow Care Centre, Stow on the Wold