Oxfordshire care home workers celebrated at awards event

The Orders of St John Care Trust (OSJCT) held its Trust Recognition Awards 2024 ceremony at Oxford Town Hall last month, honouring employees and volunteers from the county's care homes and extra care housing schemes.

More than 80 guests attended the event, including James Macnamara, High Sheriff of Oxfordshire and OSJCT trustee.

The ceremony began with an opening address from Dan Hayes, the trust's chief executive, and was hosted by Mike Stredder, its group operations director.

Care home staff were nominated for the awards by colleagues and residents, before nominations were judged by a panel.

Empowerment Award winner Ronnie Ninalga with OSJCT trustee Mark Brenninkmeyer (Image: Joseph Dart) Mr Hayes said: "The collective skill and effort of OSJCT employees achieves the most wonderful outcomes for the people within our care.

"Our teams restore identity and dignity and replace vulnerability with love and compassion.

"It is my privilege to be in the company of people who live the values of the trust, and who have excelled in what they do."

Among the winners was Julieann Sheehan, head housekeeper at Spencer Court, Woodstock, who won the Exceptional Dedication to Caring Award.

Julieann Sheehan with OSJCT trustee Mark Brenninkmeyer at the awards (Image: Joseph Dart) The Outstanding Community Engagement Award was given to Johanne Tustin, activities co-ordinator at Henry Cornish Care Centre in Chipping Norton, while the Empowerment Award was won by Ronie Ninalga, a carer at Westgate House in Wallingford.

Unsung Hero of the Year awards were given to Sarah Head, admin assistant at Spencer Court, Clare Smith, deputy domiciliary care manager at Orchard Meadows in Banbury, and Andrew Lawrence, executive chef at Wellford Gardens in Wheatley.

Unsung Hero Award winners Sarah Head and Claire Smith (Image: Joseph Dart) Chiannon Evans, domiciliary care manager at Isis Court and Shotover View, Oxford, and Dorte Chandler, general manager at Wellford Gardens, both won Inspirational Leader Awards.

The Making a Difference Volunteering Award was given to Graham Adkins, a volunteer at Westgate House, and Marcus Holden, a volunteer at Larkrise Care Centre in Banbury.

The Meadows, Didcot, was honoured with the John Monckton Memorial Award, which recognises improvements in care.

Employees who have completed 25 years of service were also recognised at the event.

Tracy Griffiths, night lead at Henry Cornish Care Centre, Susan Crierie, laundry assistant at Madley Park House in Witney, and Christina Mackrell, carer at Marston Court in Oxford, were celebrated for 35 years of service.

Susan Poulton, kitchen assistant at Spencer Court, Claire Short, housekeeper at Henry Cornish Care Centre, Susan Richards, night carer at Marston Court, and Kelly Ibbotson, carer at Larkrise Care Centre, were among those to win Long Service Awards for quarter of a century of work.

The Chairman’s Commendation for Meritorious Service was awarded to Christine Ruane, admin assistant at Townsend House in Headington, Anita Stock, peripatetic chef, and Elaine Eadle, admin assistant at Longlands in Blackbird Leys.