THE work of many carers across Thurrock – and a community policeman – was celebrated at a special event at Orsett Hall Hotel last night (Thursday, 21 September).

Jointly organised by Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions and the charity RAFFA (which supports the delivery of social action projects that are carried out by individuals or groups of people working together for the good of others and not for profit.) the event brought together representatives of care organisations from across the borough.

It was also a celebration of the British Empire medal awarded to Grays woman Angela Clarke, Thurrock Council's Head of Service - Provider Services (Adult Social Care) and also the CEO of RAFFA.

Ms Clarke received her award for services to the "Windrush Generation" of post-war immigrants in the King's New Year's Honours list earlier this year and wanted to share the recognition of caring services with those who support people across Thurrock.

She was an ambassador for the Home Office Engagement Team, and supported individuals with settled status and compensation.

The 58-year-old was part of the Wendy Williams review following the 2017 scandal where many people who had lived in the UK for decades were told they were here illegally.

At the time of her award she said: "I am overwhelmed and humbled at the same time because I feel like I'm being rewarded for something I love doing,

Angela Clarke

"There needs to be a level of authenticity and I need to be able to say what I see and be that bridge between the community and government agencies.

"When you're looking at something like the Windrush scandal, and dealing with the hurt and the trauma affecting predominantly people of colour, it is hard to build trust."

In advance of last night's event companies and organisations across the borough were invited to nominate special people for an award, presented by Ms Clarke, and their stories were told by Neil Woodbridge and Rob Groves of Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions to an appreciative audience, who also enjoyed entertainment from – among others – Thurrock Golden Voices, Thurrock Court Players and vocal group Amzgrove.

Event organisers Rob Groves, Angela Clarke (with her BEM) and Neil Woodbridge.

Details of the awards, those who nominated them and the citation are as follows:

Organisation name: Chartwell Trust Care - The Coach House

Person making nomination: Kellie Packham

Name of nominee: Lorraine Imamzade

"Lorraine started as a cook in the kitchen, and then joined the bank as a support worker. Over time she enjoyed the role as support worker not only in a caring capacity but also engaging service users in different activities, then when the opportunity came to apply for the activity co-ordinator's role she jumped at the opportunity. 

"Since being in the role Lorraine has developed a weekly activity programme and involved the support worker staff team in developing the activities by getting feedback from them after they have supported a service user with the activity, she also speaks to the service users after an activity to see if they enjoyed it, if they would like to do it again and any other things they wish to do. 

"Lorraine has come up with innovative activities in relation to the complex needs of the service users, as they have neurological conditions, she developed a whole series of separate activities around the five senses. She done taste, smell, hearing, touch, sight sessions to really simulate these areas. 

"Lorraine has pulled on her previous experience as a cook to include this in her activities by doing some baking sessions with some of the residents. 

"She has made contact with different societies ie MS Society to gain more information and knowledge on different conditions around capability. She has made contact and built relations with the local community, who have attended some bar-b-ques that the home had in the summer. 

"She has made links with local retailers who have donated small prizes, that have been utilised for some activities like Treasure Hunts/Bingo etc. 

"Lorraine has overall embraced her role and staff, residents and families have all fed back how everyone within the home has benefited from Lorraine's enthusiasm and overall input into their everyday living." 

Organisation name: Utopia Care Limited

Person making nomination: Shaneel Bissessur

Name of nominee: Georgia-Rose Shuttleworth

"Georgia joined Utopia Care in April this year as a care co-ordinator, new to this role. Since her first day, Georgia has shown exceptional dedication, compassion, and commitment to delivering outstanding care.

"In the time I have known and observed her, she has consistently demonstrated a level of excellence and empathy that goes far beyond the expectations of her role. Georgia often spends extra time understanding the personal stories of the people we support and getting to know them.

"Georgia voluntarily stays after her working time to assist the team during their work to support them to gain the skills and knowledge to carry out their role to the best of their ability, ensuring they feel confident in the tasks they are doing.

"This level of dedication ensures that team members feel supported. Georgia goes above and beyond where the service users are concerned, she makes it her priority to ensure the service users have everything they need to make things as easy and comfortable as possible for them at home, often running errands outside of their commissioned time to ensure they have everything they need. She also ensures they are supported emotionally and not just during their call times.

"For example, a service user had recently received some news about their health, Georgia regularly checks in with them to provide emotional support. Georgia's rapport with service users, families, and staff is commendable.

"She consistently makes an extra effort, ensuring that everyone feels heard and valued. She is always eager to share her knowledge with the team enhancing the overall quality of care.

"Georgia epitomises what it means to be a dedicated carer. Her commitment, compassion, and skills make her a standout member of our team. I genuinely believe that is not only deserving of this award but is also a shining example for others. We are extremely pleased we gave Georgia the opportunity to progress and we would certainly be lost without her!"

Organisation name: Cornhill Care

Person making nomination: Sandra Mavenue

Name of nominees: Joelle Dejoie & Tracey Chandler

"I'm honoured to nominate these two outstanding individuals for this award. Their unwavering dedication and tireless commitment to our communities have left an indelible mark.

"Their hard work, selflessness, and passion for making a difference inspire all of us. They are true pillars of strength and empathy, embodying the very essence of community service.

"Their exceptional contributions deserve to be celebrated and recognised as a shining example for others to follow."

Organisation name: Thurrock Lifestyle Solutions

Person making nomination: Neil Woodbridge

Name of nominee: Vicky Van Vynck

"Vicky joined TLS over nine years ago and has spent all her working life in social care. Vicky brings experience and a high-quality level of support that stems from her belief in equal value partnership and living and breathing the values and vision of the service we provide. 

"Vicky is a loyal and consistent member of the team, who our customers know to be dependable, kind and caring yet without creating any dependency. Vicky thrives on empowering customers to make daily choices around their lives, taking control of their support and offering guidance and encouragement as they do. 

"During the Covid-19 Pandemic, along with many other of our staff, Vicky selflessly offered to support the government guided lockdown in our supported living team. At one point, providing live in support for 16 days straight to ensure the safety of the customers who lived there.

"Vicky prioritises customers' health and always ensures this is supported to a high standard, managing medication, health appointments, mental health needs and undergoing further training to ensure the support she delivers is knowledgeable and responsible.  

"Vicky took up an opportunity to Qualify in Level 3 Personal Training and she implements this in her supporting role daily, delivering a weekly sports opportunity and 1:1 Gym sessions to the Customers of TLS. Vicky is always looking for ways to support the improvement of Customers lives and is particularly passionate about ensuring Customer's Mental Health needs are supported even when at times they can be challenging. 

"Back in June 2022, Vicky was nominated and went on to be invited to join Kinetika and Jeanefer Jean-Charles & Associates to take part in The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Pageant.  

"Vicky volunteered many hours to take part in a "Thank You" to the Queen for 70 years of public service and a Thank You to all those who selflessly contribute to society, looking after our communities and laying the foundation for a better life for generations to come. Vicky was honoured to have been given the opportunity." 

 Organisation name: UTurnships CIC

Name of nominee: Georgina Bonsu

"Through UTurnships CIC, Georgina is spearheading innovative work with marginalised young people and is driving diversity and inclusivity in the community of Thurrock.

"She organised the first Afro Food Festival which took place this year with more than 1,000 attendees in Grays Town Park which was an incredible success."

Organisation name: AK Supported Housing

Person making nomination: Ade Aremu

Name of nominee: The whole team

Ade Aremu, Director of AK Supported Housing was unable to choose between his wonderful staff and wanted to recognise the whole team for their dedication and care.

Organisation name: Thurrock Adult Social Care

Name of nominee: Chris Hamilton.

"Chris has dedicated many years to supporting and empowering stroke survivors in Thurrock. As a Project Worker at Thurrock Stroke project Chris described the support and the provision of activities for local stroke survivors is at the heart of what they do.

"In 2017 Chris, now retired, was instrumental in supporting stroke survivors to put on an art exhibition across eight of Thurrock's libraries.

"She has worked tirelessly despite her own personal losses and whilst dealing with the challenges of the health within her own family, she continued to give care and support to others."

Organisation name: Thurrock Adult Social Care

Name of nominee: Joy Bimpson

"Joy has worked in Adult Social Care for several years, during this time she has dedicated herself to providing care and support to enhance the lives of many people and families.

"As a Support Planner Joy has shown selfless passion for the people of Thurrock and this has been demonstrated in numerous ways over the years.

"The support provided to families and colleagues far exceeds their expectations and particularly the practical support given to frontline workers during staff shortages and the care and support she provides to her Aunt." 

Organisation name: Thurrock Adult Social Care

Name of nominee: George Goodman

"George - now a retired Social Worker has impacted so many lives within Thurrock. George has dedicated much of his spare time to running  Corringham Athletic Football Club.

"He is a qualified football coach and was also first aider, and safeguarding lead for the club which demonstrates his flexibility and passion.

"While working as a social worker George's commitment to the clients he supported was always appreciated.

"As a football coach he has inspired and empowered many young people to do their best, not just on the pitch but in every area of their lives, by encouraging community cohesion and collaborative working."

Neil Woodbridge, PC Neil Brand and Angela Clarke.

Mr Woodbridge concluded the presentations by calling up local community policeman PC Neil Brand and told the audience about his exceptional work across the local area and the way he showed compassion and care to so many people that he interacted with.