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Press Release |
Ref: PRCP013 Date: 22ndFebruary 2021
Hat-trick of success for Care Plus
Not-for-profit home care specialist Care Plus is celebrating a hat-trick of success in the Great British Care Awards.
At a time when the national spotlight has been turned on the role of care workers, a leading local care service, Care Plus, has been shortlisted for three top awards in what are known as the ‘Oscars' of the care world.
Care Plus is among the finalists in the categories of Best Care Employer, Putting People First and Housing With Care in the Great British Care Awards for the West Midlands. The winners of the regional event, who will be announced at a gala night in Birmingham later this year, will go through to the national finals.
Les Clarke, executive director of care and support at Care Plus, said that the news came as a huge tribute to the commitment of staff who have been on the frontline of the response to the pandemic in Staffordshire and Shropshire, working with some of those most vulnerable to infection.
"We have amazing staff who have been doing exceptional work, every day. We support 2,500 people through care at home, supported housing and extra care schemes, enabling them to remain at home safely and confidently. Our colleagues have continued to deliver essential care safely, and we have worked differently to keep people safe and well. It is wonderful to see their dedication recognised in this way."
During the first lockdown, Care Plus staff made an incredible 38,239 reassurance calls to residents - checking-in, arranging support and being a friendly voice. There were conversations with families, too, acknowledging the worry of long separations.
Staff used their free time to join volunteers providing practical support, delivering shopping, prescriptions and activity packs.
Les Clarke added: "It has been a uniquely difficult time and care staff everywhere have risen to the challenge, often making personal sacrifices to provide care to people in need. The Great British Care Awards are an opportunity for us to recognise the importance of their work."
Care Plus, which is part of Housing Plus Group offers support for people in a number of ways including the BeConnected project aimed at relieving isolation among older people through a varied programme of free events. It also provides a 24 hour alarm service providing immediate support and reassurance to enable people to live confidently and independently at home.
Caption:
Care Plus staff, volunteers and residents pictured before the introduction of social distancing guidelines.
ENDS
Background for editors
Care Plus specialises in housing and support for older people and those with physical or learning difficulties. Managing 53 retirement living communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire, Care Plus helps people to live independently in their own homes with support including 24:7 telecare response, wellbeing services and domiciliary care.
The personal care service delivered by Care Plus has been assessed as Good in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.
Care Plus is registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society and is part of Housing Plus Group, a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust across Shropshire and Staffordshire. Housing Plus Group members also include South Staffordshire Housing Association, Severnside Housing, Stafford and Rural Homes and Severn Homes.
Housing Plus Group is addressing the housing crisis by starting to build 2,000 new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale by 2023. The Group has pledged to deliver one-third more hours of care and support for older people in their own homes and to create apprenticeship opportunities for 100 people in the Group and its supply chain within five years.
Its members are inspired by the CLARITY values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and YOU.
Further information
Mara Hargreaves
Head of marketing and communications
m:07800 619 863
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Clare Chick
Marketing and communications officer
m: 07950 254 279
e:clare.chick@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e:mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk