Social care worker highly commended at prestigious care awards

Susan O'Sullivan

A local dedicated social care worker has been highly commended for a prestigious care award.

Team leader Susan O'Sullivan was recognised at the Great British Care Awards for her work with Rochdale Supported Housing.

This year, North West winners were announced at a carnival themed ceremony hosted by Steve Walls at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower Hotel on Saturday 13 November.

Susan left the ceremony with a certificate of congratulations - being 'Highly Commended' for the Care Home Frontline Leaders Award.

Rochdale Supported Housing has two sites: Howard Place which supports 12 tenants and Hope Court which supports 13 tenants, all of whom are living with mental health conditions. Both services are operated by national adult health and social care charity, Making Space.

Rachel Peacock, CEO, Making Space, said: "Following Rochdale Supported Housing's loss of local authority funding, Susan has battled hard to set up alternative partnerships and referrals, gaining her the respect of her colleagues as well as an award nomination.

"During a difficult time for the service, she has proved her strength and commitment and we are lucky to have her. She is very well-deserving of this recognition."

Susan said: "Rochdale Supported Housing offers person-centred support, with an emphasis on helping people to move towards living fully independently.

"We enable tenants, who all have mental health diagnoses, to gain confidence and life skills including managing money and accessing benefits, shopping, cooking, cleaning and tidying and staying safe and secure.

"It has been a difficult time to work in social care throughout the pandemic and it means a lot to be recognised at the Great British Care Awards."

The judges said: "Susan is a dedicated member of social care, striving for constant improvement."

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events throughout the UK and are a celebration of excellence across the care sector, paying tribute to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work on a yearly basis.

There are 21 awards categories available for nomination which represent all areas of the social care sector, whether it be older people or specialist services, residential or home care. The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent, and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers, promoting joint working.