Surrey Choices Finalists attend National Learning Disability and Autism Awards

Surrey Choices Finalists attend National Learning Disability and Autism Awards

This month, several colleagues from Surrey Choices travelled to Birmingham to attend the National Learning Disability and Autism Awards.

In previous weeks the three semi-finalists, The Positive Behaviour Support Team, Jo Smith, and The Growth Team, had been put through their paces in challenging interviews but made it through to the finals.

Becoming Finalists

The Positive Behaviour Support Team was led by Phil Mack with Patrick Gold and Debbie Mitchell able to tell their personal experiences of how it has benefited their customers. The judge remarked how it shone how joined up the team were and what exceptional examples of the impact it had made. The judge was also impressed with their knowledge and commitment.

Jo Smith was nominated for Trainer of the Year and she was able to describe our extensive training offer and how she makes learning fun. In our recent staff survey 93% of our staff team feel they are getting the right training so it seems to be working! The judge said it was the most special interview he had done so far that day.

The Growth Team were nominated for the Making a Difference Award for the impact they make both for individuals and in their local communities. Our colleagues Jackie, Lydia and Mark described the work in the countryside and Jono, who attends one of the sites, was clear on his pride in being part of the Growth Team, protecting the environment and making them accessible for all.

Awards Ceremony

Our finalists just missed out on an award, but the evening celebrated our excellence in the support for people with learning disabilities and paid tribute to those who excel in providing quality care. The night was full of laughter, emotion and dancing and we are very proud of our finalists.

Lydia Simpson, Team Manager, Vocational Projects – “It brought home how important it is the work we do, and how we are in a industry filled with such passionate and dedicated people. Our colleagues among that. I think in the day to day you forget how important our services are and how much of a difference our staff teams make. I was very proud sitting there, not just to be in the role I am in but for my colleagues and teams to be recognised.”

 

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