But for the people who work there, the award is about much more than recognition. It is a reflection of the relationships built every day with the people they support, their families and one another.

For Rebecca McCraken, Service Manager, the award belongs to everyone who makes MKSLS what it is.

“This award belongs to the whole MKSLS team, every day the whole team bring such passion and dedication into everything they do. They encourage and support all of our service users to be independent and embrace life to its fullest.”

That independence is at the heart of life at MKSLS. Colleagues support people not simply with their day-to-day needs, but to enjoy the things that matter to them – whether that means going on holiday, celebrating an achievement, enjoying a favourite activity or simply making their own choices about how they spend their day.

Rebecca says it is the people supported by the service and their families who make the work so rewarding.

“We couldn’t do this role without all the people we support and their families – their resilience, the fun, the achievements, the holidays, day to day living and their all-round passion to live life as they want to live it makes us extremely proud.”

For Micheala, Supported Living Worker, it is this close relationship with the people supported by MKSLS that makes the service such a special place to work.

“I think it’s a special place to work, we put love and care into everything we do, they are like our family members so we want to give them the best we can.”

She also believes that looking after one another as a team is an important part of creating a positive environment for the people they support.

“a happy team is crucial for our service users as they can sense friction and upset, they need to feel relaxed, happy, supported, loved, they trust and rely on us to look after them, the families know if their person is happy so this will reflect on us if they are not.”

That sense of teamwork extends to the support colleagues receive from their colleagues and managers. Micheala says her team leader makes time to check in with colleagues and recognise their contribution.

“Our team leader works extremely hard but always has time to thank us for doing a great job, she always checks to make sure we are ok, always asks if there is anything she can do or help us with, I feel happy and super supported.”

For Pauline, Supported Living Worker, who has worked in care for many years, the people supported by MKSLS and their families are also a big part of what keeps her coming to work.

“All the lovely clients and their families, and the managers are approachable. I have had personal issues where the managers have been there for me at short notice.”

And when asked what it means to have the work of the service recognised, Pauline summed it up with a smile:

“It makes me feel proud to work for a company that you get recognised for all your hard work that’s why i haven't retired yet.”

The Florence recognition has given the whole MKSLS team a chance to celebrate what they have achieved together, but the award has also reinforced what colleagues already know: great support is built on trust, understanding and relationships.