Carer picks up award for '˜lifelong dedication to putting others first'

Julie Mayes works at The Acorns in Pound Hill, a Voyage Care residential care home catering for adults with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.

The Great British Care Awards, supported by the Department for Health, celebrate excellence in social care and pay tribute to those who work in the sector throughout England.

The national finals were held last month.

Julie, who has been with Voyage for four years has worked in social care for almost 40 years.

She was nominated for the Putting People First category by her manager, Pat Hyland. who felt that her innovative ideas, positivity and commitment deserved recognition.

Nominations for the regional awards came in from across the South East of England and Julie was presented with her award at a ceremony in Brighton.

The judges commented that ‘Julie has dedicated her entire working life to caring for others and putting people first. Through her innovative approach she has dramatically improved the life of her service users’.

After her regional award win Julie said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won the regional award and I’m both excited and nervous to be heading to Birmingham for the national final.

“I really love my job and am passionate about delivering first class, quality care for the ladies at The Acorns care home.

“It was a real shock to win the regional award and whether I win or lose next week, it’s simply an honour to be part of the awards.”

Andrew Cannon, Voyage Care’s chief executive said: “Julie’s passion, enthusiasm and energy made her the perfect candidate for the Putting People First award.

“She always puts the needs of those she supports first and it’s wonderful to see the dedication and commitment of our Voyage employees honoured at both a regional and national level.”

For information about The Acorns call Voyage Care on 0800 328 6091, email [email protected] or visit the website www.voyagecare.com