Care workers, volunteers and support staff from Oxfordshire were among those celebrated at this year’s Trust Recognition Awards, an annual event which recognises the contribution, commitment, and achievements of individuals and teams across The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT).
The awards highlight employees and teams who have made a particular contribution to the lives of residents over the past year, whether through the quality of care they provide, their leadership, support for colleagues, innovation or their contribution to the wider community.
Awards were given across the following categories across the region:
- Carer/Support Worker of the Year - Kelly Ibbotson (Larkrise Care Centre, Banbury)
- Nurse of the Year - Laura Davies (Meadowcroft, Thame)
- Service Support Colleague of the Year - Sandra Page (Lake House, Adderbury)
- Volunteer of the Year - Jack Collier (Stirlings, Wantage)
- Team of the Year - Shotover View Care Team, Oxford)
- Team Leader of the Year - Meena Mikhail – Chilterns Court Care Centre, Henley-on-Thames)
- Outstanding Leader of the Year (Overall Winner - Services) - Alexandra Grindle (Lake House Adderbury)
Chairman’s Awards
- Daniela Midwinter - (Westgate House, Wallingford)
- Mike Jefferies and Mel Jefferies - (Old Station House, Abingdon)
- Leisa Harry - (Marston Court, Oxford)
In addition, 36 colleagues were presented with long service awards, celebrating an impressive 890 years of service between them, while 25 achieved qualifications relevant to their roles within the Trust.
The awards reflect the breadth of roles involved in delivering care and support, from care and nursing teams to housekeeping, catering, administration, maintenance, activities and management. They also celebrate volunteers who bring their own time, talents and companionship, helping residents stay connected, enjoy new experiences and maintain links with their local communities.
Renata Crisostomo, OSJCT’s operations director for the region, said:
“It’s wonderful to see the achievements of our colleagues and volunteers celebrated at the Trust Recognition Awards. Every day, they bring so much skill, compassion and dedication to what they do, making a real difference to the lives of our residents. This year, we were also fortunate to have our office colleagues join us, making the celebration even bigger and more special. These awards are a chance to recognise everyone who contributes to making OSJCT what it is, and I’m genuinely proud of the people who make our Trust such a special place.”
Overall Winner in the Outstanding Leader of the Year category, Alexandra Grindle, Home Manager at Lake House, said:
“I’m incredibly grateful to receive this award, but leadership is never a solo achievement. I’m only as good as the team around me, and this recognition reflects the dedication, compassion and hard work of everyone at Lake House. For me, leadership is about bringing people together, supporting colleagues to be their best and creating an environment where residents can thrive. I’m proud of what we achieve together, and this award is as much a reflection of our team as it is of me.”