Colleagues and residents gathered for the awards celebration in the home’s café bar, which had been decorated with balloons and bunting, and cakes and sparkling wine set the tone for the celebratory event.

Henry Cornish’s Handyperson, Norman Torr, won a prestigious Chairman’s Commendation award. A Chairman’s Commendation is awarded to a recipient for outstanding and exceptional performance over and above their contracted hours and their contract duties. Recipients are often those who give freely of their personal time or who have conducted themselves in a way which deserves special recognition.

Norman has worked for the Trust since 2013 and has continuously been a light in the home. Everyone at Henry Cornish knows they can count on Norman, including the home’s residents. He does everything, he helps everyone, puts his heart and soul into his job, and the residents love him. 

Norman also runs an art class with residents and is starting an online art class to connect residents and the community. His colleagues agree Norman is a pleasure to work with and a shining example for all staff.

Lynn Hancock is a carer at Henry Cornish and was a finalist in the Unsung Hero Shining Star award category. 

Lynn was advised to shield during the pandemic, however due to her dedication to residents and colleagues, she not only continued her regular shifts but picked up extra shifts to support the home. 

Colleagues agree Lynn is a pleasure to work with and the home’s residents love her. She takes time to understand what is important to the residents and has been shopping every week for them, making sure that they do not run out of anything and ensuring that the ladies have their magazines. Lynn continues to do this shopping even when on annual leave.

Renata Crisostomo is the Home Manager at Henry Cornish, and was a finalist in the Newcomer of the Year Shining Star award. 

Renata joined Trust in December 2020 and from her first day she showed great passion and dedication to providing outstanding care to the home’s residents. She has already made vast improvements in the home, streamlining employees’ shift patterns, reducing agency hours used, and improving the quality of care and wellbeing. 

Renata showed resilience during tough times and worked hard to make sure that the home runs smoothly. Renata has a proactive approach and is already seen to be a great leader by the team at Henry Cornish.

OSJCT Chief Executive, Dan Hayes, praised all the winners and said: 

“Congratulations to all our winners, whether they have been recognised for their professionalism or for their long service or qualifications.

"These awards take place so that the Trust can show our gratitude to colleagues who together provide an essential service to our communities. And this year more than any other, our gratitude will be echoed by a whole nation who now appreciate what they do and stand in unanimous appreciation for their bravery and commitment.

"This moment is a good one to reflect on where we might be without the tremendous social care workers that we are recognising today.”