Three Care UK homes shortlisted at the Suffolk Care Awards

Company news

Jun 01, 2016

Cleves Place, Mills Meadow and Mildenhall Lodge care homes have been nominated in three different categories at this year’s Suffolk Care Awards.

The annual event, which is organised by the Suffolk Brokerage and the Suffolk Association of Independent Care Providers (SAICP), aims to highlight and celebrate best practice in adult social care across the county.

Cleves Place in Haverhill has been shortlisted for two awards, the Team Award and the Motivational Leadership Award. Home manager Sharlene Van Tonder said: “We’re such a strong team at Cleves Place – more like a family – where we all know the importance of stepping in and stepping up to provide the best care and make each day as good as possible for residents and each other.

“My aim is to create a passionate, motivated environment where everyone feels valued and everyone has a voice. I’m delighted that we’ve been shortlisted and that the great work of our caring and compassionate team has been recognised.”

The next stage of the Suffolk Care Awards shortlisting involves a visit from the Team Award category judge, Julie Bateman in Adult Care Services at Suffolk County Council, and Motivational Leadership Award judge, Christine Laverock, an experienced independent trainer and mentor. Both judges will be meeting with Sharlene and the team to assess the home’s teamwork and leadership in practice.

Katy Hughes, home manager at Mildenhall Lodge, has also been nominated for the Motivational Leadership Award. She said: “I’m delighted to have been shortlisted. I work closely with my team to ensure everyone is supported, motivated and fulfilling their potential, which in turn ensures that residents are happy and cared for in the best possible way. It’s great to see this has been recognised.”

Christine Laverock will also be meeting with Katy and the team to assess her motivational leadership in practice.

Finally, Mills Meadow in Framlingham has been shortlisted for the Culture, Creativity and Activities Award. Home manager Marie Reeve said: “Activities are a part of daily life and we have an excellent lifestyle coordinator who organises regular trips out and events. Everyone in the team gets involved in suggesting ideas and we encourage residents to keep active and independent.

“We hold regular forums where residents decide what activities they’d like to do, places they’d like to visit and changes they’d like to see in the day-to-day running of the home. I’m delighted that we’ve been shortlisted and that our great work has been recognised.”

Clare Hammerton in Adult Care Services at Suffolk County Council will meet with Marie and the team to assess the home’s culture, creativity and activities in practice.

After the judging takes place in June, the top three entrants in each category will be invited to attend the Suffolk Care Awards ceremony on 29 September.

Before that, on 17 June, all three homes are opening their doors for Care Home Open Day, where the local community is invited to visit, meet the team and find out more about daily life in a care home:

• Cleves Place is hosting a Day at the Oscars themed event with canapés, a catwalk, afternoon tea and live music.
• Mildenhall Lodge is hosting a carnival themed event with live music and a cocktail bar.
• Mills Meadow is hosting an afternoon tea party on 17 June followed by a carnival themed event with a BBQ and stalls on 18 June.

Care Home Open Day is an annual event which sees care homes across the country showcase what quality care is all about. Visit careuk.com/care-home-open-day to find out more about the Care UK homes near you which are taking part.