National hero award for Melksham carer

A CARER at Mavern House care home in Shaw, Gemma Santucci, has won a national social care hero award in recognition of her hard work.

The award has been made by Support Social Care Heroes (SSCH), an organisation which aims to preserve, protect and improve the health and wellbeing of those providing social care. SSCH launched the monthly award programme this year to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of the 1.54 million people working in social care in the UK. Gemma, who was nominated for August 2022, is the eighth award winner.

Gemma was nominated by her colleague, the home manager, Justine, who said, “Following Gemma being awarded employee of the month for August at Mavern House we are thrilled she has also received the SSCH award!

“Gemma puts in 100% effort every day when working with the elders to ensure they are well cared for and happy. Her co-workers really appreciate her team spirit and can-do attitude and we feel very lucky to have Gemma on our team, well done Gemma!”

On hearing they had won the award Gemma said, “I am so happy to receive this award, it means a lot to me. I’m so lucky to be part of such a fantastic team at Mavern House, everyone works so hard. Every day is different, but seeing the elders we care for smile and enjoying themselves, even in challenging times, is just so rewarding. I couldn’t imagine working anywhere else!”

Gemma will receive a £50 voucher for the grocery store of her choice, a box of chocolates, certificate, a SSCH hoody and Mavern House will receive a bunch of flowers. The prizes have been sponsored by J9 Advisory, a Yorkshire-based advisory firm.

Nicola Richards, founder of Support Social Care Heroes, explained the thinking behind the idea, “Social care staff often do not get the recognition that they deserve, despite being valued by their managers and employers.

“Many care homes already have ‘employee of the month’ schemes and we really felt we should do something to bring all these nominations together from around the country to celebrate all our social care heroes and the amazing work they do.

“The pandemic has brought social care colleagues across the country together as we have supported each other like never before. I hope these awards will provide a positive boost to carers, managers and the wider care home teams.

“These awards are the first step in our long-term plans to ensure those who need care, and those caring for them, are valued by all in society.

“Our country’s social care heroes have been on the front line and in the headlines for almost two years and this new initiative will help show them that they are valued and recognise the work they do.”