Two members of Emma Sheppard Centre staff were recognised at this year’s Somerset Care Group Awards.
The annual ceremony was held at the end of September and recognised staff from across the group for their outstanding achievements, contribution and dedication.
Joanna Perkins, who works as a supervisor for Somerset Care’s home care team in the Frome area and oversees the Emma Sheppard Centre, was announced as the winner of the ‘Making a Difference in Dementia Care’ award. Her colleague, Carol Russell, who also works at the Emma Sheppard Centre, was given a Highly Commended acknowledgement in the category of ‘Community Carer of the Year’.
The Somerset Care Group Awards was held at the Somerset County Cricket Ground in Taunton and hosted by local VIP, Ben McGrail, Somerset’s correspondent for ITV News West Country.
130 guests attended the ceremony, which included a three-course lunch and presentations from Somerset Care Group chief executive, Jane Townson and chairman, Angela Dupont.
Speaking on the ceremony, chief executive, Jane Townson said, “Our annual staff awards event celebrates some of the exceptional people we have in Somerset Care. It’s my favourite event of the year, as we hear numerous stories of extraordinary kindness, compassion and service, which illustrate how we’re fulfilling our mission to enhance quality of life and promote independence of older and disabled people. We would be delighted for the world to see what these exceptional people do day in and day out.”
470 nominations were received this year; over 120 of those nominations came through for the People’s Choice award, which was open to nominations from Somerset Care’s customers and their family members.
Above: Joanna Perkins receiving her award from chairman, Angela Dupont (left) and CEO, Jane Townson.
