Two Cumbrian care home Colleagues shortlisted as finalists for Keyworker of the Year AwardRebecca Whitehead, Head of Care and Sean Moore, Resident Liaison Officer at HC-One’s Summerhill Care Home in Kendal, Cumbria, have been shortlisted as finalists in the ‘Keyworker of the Year Award’ category at the Pride of Cumbria Awards 2022.  

The Pride of Cumbria Awards 2022 will honour those community heroes who have gone above and beyond in the last 12 months. We will hail NHS staff, keyworkers, charities, good neighbours, care workers, volunteers and young people. The awards will also be recognising everyday heroes in all sectors from local charities to business and education. The Keyworker of the Year Award will recognise an individual who has played a vital role, someone who went above and beyond the requirement of their role to provide support to those who needed it most, under the most challenging circumstances.

Rebecca has been working at the home since she was 18. She started as a Senior Carer, before progressing to Unit Manager and now Head of Care. Rebecca makes sure that all Residents receive the kindest possible care. Rebecca makes sure her team are fully trained and kept up to date with the latest guidance to deliver all the nursing, specialist care and support services that Residents require. Rebecca ensures personalised care plans of Residents consider not only medical, personal and dietary needs but also the individual’s likes and dislikes, religious preferences and suggestions from family members that might make the Residents stay at the home a little bit more enjoyable. 

Rebecca’s current role as Head of Care at Summerhill involves supporting the Home Manager with quality assurance through carrying out quality audits within the home and overseeing KCIs. 

Sean joined the home in January 2017 as a Wellbeing Co-ordinator having not previously worked in care. In the past five years, Sean has progressed to become Senior Wellbeing Co-ordinator and Resident Liaison Officer, managing a team of three people to plan all of the activities in and around the home. Sean takes great pride in ensuring that there are a wide variety of opportunities available for all Residents, whether they have residential, nursing or dementia needs. He has spent time building close links with the local primary school, and the Residents enjoying reading time, entertainment and combined events with the children – it’s something that they all really look forward to.

Sean encourages an atmosphere of fun and inclusion and runs a weekly programme of events which includes talks and demonstrations from local people willing to share their knowledge and talents. Sean arranges for performers from the area to regularly visit and entertain Residents with songs, sketches, singing and dancing, and member of neighbourhood groups, volunteers and other locals to drop in for a cup of tea and a chat. 

Hearing of the news of him being shortlisted as a finalist Sean Moore, Resident Liaison Officer at Summerhill Care Home, said:
“I am so happy and grateful for this amazing recognition! It’s a huge honour. I’m looking forward to The Pride of Cumbria Awards ceremony taking place next month.”

The Pride of Cumbria Awards 2022 ceremony will be taking place on Thursday 23rd June 2022 at Whitehaven Golf Club, Red Lonning, Whitehaven, when the winners will be announced and receive a special trophy. 

Rebecca Whitehead, Head of Care at Summerhill Care Home, stated:
“I was extremely surprised and overwhelmed at being nominated and shortlisted. My passion has always been and remains to ensure our Residents are supported to live their best lives and enjoy the experiences of care home life. I’m very humbled and honoured to have been shortlisted for the award.”

James Tugendhat, HC-One’s Chief Executive Officer, said, 
“We are delighted that Rebecca and Sean have been shortlisted as finalists by the judging panel at The Pride of Cumbria Awards this year. This is an amazing achievement, and I am so proud. 

“Being shortlisted as finalists at these prestigious awards is a testament to the dedication Rebecca and Sean have demonstrated, even in the most challenging of times. Rebecca and Sean have truly gone above and beyond to provide the kindest care to Residents living in Summerhill Care Home and support to Colleagues, Relatives and those within the local community, supporting our mission to be the first-choice care provider in each of the communities that we serve.”

The finalists were carefully chosen in recognition of their hard work, kind care shown to Residents and support to Relatives, Colleagues and local communities, as well as the dedication and passion they demonstrate in their job roles.