Fenland care provider in the running for four leading industry awards

Staff at a local care provider are in a celebratory mood after it was shortlisted for four categories in the regional Great British Care Awards — highlighting talented individuals within the team and its outstanding contribution to social care.

Askham Village Community, is a specialist family-run care and rehabilitation community, in Doddington and has been nominated for four awards at November's awards ceremony.

These include the ‘Ancillary Worker Award’ for Jackie Green, who fronts the laundry operation at Askham, the ‘Workforce Development Award’ for Michelle Barker, who is responsible for the training and development of the team, and the ‘Care Home Cook’ award for chef, Iveta Strauta, who is responsible for providing residents with delicious and nutritious meals.

In addition, Askham has been shortlisted for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award’ — an achievement the team are particularly proud of.

This recognition comes following another year of successfully transforming people's lives through its specialist rehabilitation services, which have restored hope to many individuals who are living with serious neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.

The format of the Great British Care Awards sees it celebrate the achievements of regional care services, before the regional winners then compete at a national level – so there’s potential for Askham to be in the running for this further down the line, should they be successful in the initial awards.

Aliyyah-Begum Nasser, operations director, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for four awards at this year’s Great British Care Awards, it’s a real testament to the hard work and commitment of everyone at Askham. We are fortunate to have such a talented and tight-knit team here who have worked tirelessly to create an outstanding care culture that puts the residents at the heart of everything we do.

"It’s so important to take stock at times like this, and whether or not we win, on behalf of my family, the Board of Askham, we are immensely grateful to have had everyone by our side through the ups and downs following the pandemic.”

The regional Great British Care Awards ceremony will take place on November 4 at Milton Keynes Dons — an event which is set to unite some of the best care professionals across the East of England for an evening of celebration and reflection on the last year.

Aliyyah continued: “I am so proud of everything we have achieved over the past year, despite widespread challenges across the sector and the murmurings of the pandemic, we have continued to do what we do best — which is making real positive change to people’s lives.

"Although these shortlistings have highlighted the outstanding efforts of three individuals, we are one big family at Askham and everyone is to thank for this achievement. I grew up with the John Donne quote hanging in our home, 'No man is an Island', this is never more true than when I look at Askham today. We are looking forward to the next round of judging and our fingers are firmly crossed for a winning outcome!”

Askham is a family-run community that always puts the resident at the heart of its operation. Whether they are visiting for the day, receiving long-term or respite care, or even specialist rehabilitation — each individual can expect a personal experience within a compassionate care environment.