Nov 2020
Duo at The Meadows, Didcot hailed as Shining Stars in Trust Awards
Michelle Law (pictured left) and Libby Wetherall from The Meadows care home in Didcot have been selected as winners in The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) Oxfordshire Employee Awards 2020. The Trust, which employs over 5,200 staff across its homes and offices, selected 48 winners from a shortlist of 129 finalists.
Bursar Michelle has been awarded OSJCT Office Support Employee of the Year 2020 and Libby is the OSJCT Young Carer of the Year 2020.
Michelle was nominated for her dedication to the home, supporting the whole team, including cooking for a week when the kitchen was short staffed. Michelle was commended for her excellent rapport with residents, as well as going beyond her job at Christmas, buying and wrapping presents for residents.
Michelle said: “I absolutely love working for The Trust and wouldn’t change it for the world. I am so grateful for the things I have learnt along the way and the lovely residents and relatives that I have had the pleasure to meet. Everyone of us works so hard to achieve the most outstanding care to all of our residents and that is what makes me smile every morning when I arrive at work.”
Libby, who had previously worked in retail, was nominated for her dedication and the efforts she goes to understand the residents at the home, from learning their life histories to visiting them in hospital.
On receiving her award Libby said: “It was a surprise, but nice to be appreciated. I love my job, it’s lots of little things. I feel, it is a very rewarding role and I can really make a difference, it takes nothing to be kind and spend a little time with everyone. This is my first care position and although I liked my previous jobs, caring is for me I absolutely love it.”
Patsy Just, Area Operations Director, Oxfordshire, and a member of the judging panel, said: “I would like to thank Michelle and Libby for their wonderful contributions and congratulate them on winning these awards. It is so important to celebrate and recognise the wonderful achievements of colleagues from across Oxfordshire, each and everyone has gone out of their way to improve the lives of those living in our homes. We absolutely appreciate and value their contribution.”