Carers from across Leicestershire have had their hard work celebrated at an awards ceremony last week, including two carers from the unique Shared Lives project who were nominated as finalists.
The Leicestershire Live Care Professional of the Year Awards 2022, sponsored by Inspired to Care, recognise the skills, values, and dedication of care workers across the region.
Helen Chenery and Shaun Swain are self-employed Shared Lives carers commissioned to provide residential care in their own home for Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council service users and were nominated for the Promoting Independence Award.
With over 25 years loyal service, Helen Chenery is the longest serving Shared Lives carer in Leicestershire. She initially grew up in a Shared Lives household as her father was a carer, before joining herself at the age of 21.
Leicestershire Shared Lives Service is different to anything else offered in the Adult Social Care sector as the carers provide person centred services in our carers family homes. This prevents service users from living long periods of time in residential accommodation and allows them the opportunity to live a more ordinary life as part of a family unit.
Helen and Shaun recently took their service users on the holiday of a lifetime, ensuring they remained safe and supported at all times whilst they enjoyed a luxury cruise around the Canary Islands. Helen and Shaun were finalists at last week’s awards.
I’m delighted that the contribution of Helen and Shaun, and all our care workers, has been recognised in this way. Their contribution is truly vital.
These annual awards give us a way to give back as thanks for their great work. Congratulations on reaching the final Shaun and Helen, and congratulations too to all the eventual winners.
Person:Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults and communities
See full results of the awards.
Find out more about the opportunities and benefits of working for Leicestershire County Council in adult social care.
The Shared Lives scheme is currently recruiting for both long and short-term carers. To apply or find out more about the roles, please contact 07734 860 205 or email sharedlives@leics.gov.uk