Lisa manages to pack so much into a day’s work that her manager describes her as ‘a brilliant Support Worker’ and a Superhero. Her winning formula? Always calm, thoughtful, compassionate, proactive and passionate about people – consistently with a warm smile, no matter how her day may be.
Home Manager at Wilbury Gardens, Ezdra Harris, says: “It amazes me what Lisa can achieve in a day. It’s a wonder to see her in action – a constant source of energy and positivity on shift.”
Lisa’s kindness and warm manner shine through in whatever she is doing even when the task or situation is challenging. This is particularly important with D/deaf people she supports as they are attentive to reading expressions and body language. During the day she will always spend quality time with each person identifying their personal needs and listening to their worries, never forgetting that this is fundamental to great support.
This is in addition to helping fellow team members plan the day, guiding others who are less experienced. In addition, she’ll also be completing her own tasks such as cooking in the kitchen and getting people supported involved, planning activities and making sure the home is cosy and immaculate.
“Lisa is a true inspiration. We are extremely lucky to have her at Wilbury Gardens,” says Ezdra.
Lisa commented: “I feel honoured to receive this award in recognition of my work and presence at Wilbury Gardens. Going to work every day empowering and valuing people we support to live their lives independently to achieve their goals is a privilege to be part of.
“With the award money I will be having a lovely break away and I would like to thank my manager Ezdra Harris for putting me up for this award.”
Runners up
As usual, there are two very worthy runners up for Employee of the month. They are Shahana Ahmed, Support Worker at DCA West Bromwich and Jade Wainwright, Support Worker at Educational Day Services in Bath.
Shahana has shown outstanding dedication and exceptional support working with a person who demonstrates behaviour which challenges. Her consistent confidence, remarkable organisational skills, and a steadfast commitment to providing the best possible support have been instrumental in helping the person achieve all her goals and dreams.
The lady she supports now leads a full and enjoyable life, which would not have been achievable previously. Shahana brings joy, fun, value and makes things happen every shift which, in turn, has meant that medication for the person’s complex behaviours has been reduced.
Jade is a runner up for her amazing work supporting people at EDS Bath to perform in a production of The Seven Deadly Sins at the Egg Theatre in Bath. Stepping outside her comfort zone, Jade arranged everything from props to costumes while instilling confidence in the actors and rehearsing with them. The public performance was a huge success.
Jade received five nominations. Deputy Manager Jo Butts said: “Jade not only put all this together, she has supported the team with recent sickness, helped with extra paperwork (as well as her own being up-to-date) and all of this with a big smile.
“She has been a brilliant team member recently and we are really lucky to have her on our team.”
