We are delighted that six members of staff at Jewish Care received six of the ten awards presented at the Barnet Care Quality Awards 2023. The awards, run by Barnet Council, celebrated the achievements and exemplary work of social care staff working in the borough of Barnet this year.
“We are extremely proud of Jewish Care’s dedicated and caring staff who have received awards from Barnet Council’s Care Quality Team,” says Jewish Care CEO, Daniel Carmel-Brown. “The judges told us that they were so impressed by hearing about the work that our staff do and I’d like to congratulate all of the award winners and those nominated too.”
John Hooton, Chief Executive, Barnet Council adds, “We would like to thank all of our partners, care homes, care workers and registered managers for the incredible work they are doing for the people in the borough. The work that you do is vital in ensuring that this sector continues to thrive and support all our residents in Barnet.”
One of the award winners, Mary Rabbitte, received the Holistic Care Award. Mary is one of the Care Manager’s at Jewish Care’s Stella & Harry Freedman House care home at The Betty and Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet. Mary and the care team she leads, show compassion, kindness, care and understanding in everything they do for the resident’s and their families.
Chipema Chitambala, Jewish Care’s Head of Services says, “This award recognises the work that Mary and her team have been doing with our residents to find out what matters most to them, so that they can have meaningful experiences. This includes understanding their emotional, psychological and spiritual needs as well their physical care needs and medical requirements. Mary and the care team work holistically and respect each person’s wishes, which requires expert experience especially when people are receiving end of life care.”
Recently, Mary cared for resident, Hayley Richardson, who came to the home to receive palliative care, to be reunited with her horse, Sandy, in the care home car park. Hayley’s daughter, 17 year-old Ruby, brought Sandy to the home so they could be together one more time. Ruby said, “I’m so overwhelmed with the kindness and compassion shown by everyone at the home.
Christina Nimako-Bravo, was another award winner, who is part of Jewish Care’s Living Well Team and has worked for Jewish Care for over 25 years. Christina was the winner of the Care Home Activity Organiser Award. From setting up choirs, theatre plays, resident run art groups, Christina always looks to empower residents, celebrate their uniqueness and support their strengths and abilities so they can flourish.
Janice Galloway, Living Well Team Manager, says, “Christina is an exceptional individual, who advocates for residents’ wellbeing and an exceptional activity professional. She has been embracing and implementing the person-centred and Montessori approach for residents. She nurtures the resident’s talents and builds a wonderful sense of community around her, empowering residents to have the opportunity to be actively engaged and involved with activities.”
The award-winners at Jewish Care also include Christine Wachira, Team Leader at Kun Mor & George Kiss Home who won The Front Line Leader Award for her commitment and leadership in her care for residents and communication with relatives.
Michael Williams who received The Care Home Worker Award for his role at Jack Gardner House for people with mental health needs, where he has worked for over 20 years. He is approachable, trustworthy and a brilliant advocate for his key client’s.
Sima Mousa-Abadi’s empathy, dedication and person-centred care was recognised with The Extra Care Housing Worker Award. As Qualified Homecare Assistant at Jewish Care’s Selig Court Retirement Living apartments, Sima is a frontline member of staff who provides personal care and support to the tenants living there.
Sonny Reyes, who has worked at Jewish Care for more than 20 years, received The Care Home Chef Award for his work at Jewish Care’s Otto Schiff care home and Selig Court Retirement Living apartments. All our chefs do the Jewish Way of Life Training and Sonny helps to train the chefs to gain a deeper understanding and skills with his team. Food is central to Jewish life and culturally-sensitive social care that Jewish Care provides.
