All too often we hear the ‘bad news’ stories in relation to health and social care provision. They seem to be everywhere in the media; instances where individuals are abused and neglected by the very people they rely on for their care and support. These stories should worry us. These stories should remind us that we all have a duty to empower and, if necessary, protect those individuals from harm. There is no place for complacency or turning a blind eye to what happens, on a daily basis, when someone is at risk of poor practice and abuse or neglect in our society.
However, there is another story. It is one that is often forgotten by the media because it is not considered newsworthy. It is a story of compassion, inspiration and hope; a story that is told day-in, day-out, in unremarkable places, by remarkable people.
On Friday evening we attended an event that recognised the work of these individuals and celebrated all that is positive about health and social care services. The Care and Support Awards 2016 was hosted by the Cornwall Adult Health and Social Care Learning Partnership (CAHSC) at the Eden Project. It’s aim was to thank those who work across the sector for their commitment, dedication and contributions which make such a positive impact on those who access the wide range of adult social care and support services in Cornwall. There were nine awards in total and those shortlisted came from a wide variety of organisations, including nursing, residential and domiciliary services, learning and development providers, Housing, the Samaritans, Befriending services and specialist Community Interest Companies.
We were delighted to be shortlisted in the award category for An Organisation’s Outstanding Approach to Learning and Development, especially as FreeBird hasn't even celebrated its first birthday yet! Our colleagues at Promas Caring for People were the very worthy winners and you can find out more about what they do by visiting their website at www.promas.co.uk We facilitate some training on their behalf, so we were ‘allowed’ to touch their lovely glass trophy!
Well done to Dolly, Bev and all who organised this wonderful event, and let's remember that, if we look for it, there is much to celebrate about care and support in Cornwall.
