Light is shone on Southwark’s unsung army of heroes working as carers

Southwark’s paid and unpaid carers were celebrated at the first Southwark Care Awards.

Southwark Council received more than 200 nominations from which category finalists were shortlisted. Finalists joined the council at an awards and dinner ceremony held at HMS Belfast.

Anyone was able to nominate someone who supports the care needs of a Southwark resident within one of the eight categories.

Winners included Debbie Sanusi, from Bluegrove Care Home, who won in the care home worker category, and Cheryne Gregg, who won the homecare category.

Debbie, who has been working in the care industry for 26 years, said: “What I love the most about my role is seeing that the people we support are happy, living a quality life, and being valued in a safe environment while all their care needs are being met.

“I would like to say a big thank you to Southwark council for honouring me with the care award. The award has inspired me to continue going beyond and above for the people we support and the local community. It is a motivation engine for other carers and upcoming carers.”

Cheryne has been a home carer for over five years and joined Visiting Angels South East London nearly two years ago.

She said: “Winning at the Southwark Care Awards was an absolute honour. It felt wonderful to be recognised for my efforts and dedication, but more importantly, it highlighted the vital role all carers play in our community.

“If you’re considering this path, be prepared for hard work, but also know that the personal satisfaction and the relationships you build with your clients will be more than worth it.”

Timothy Mubiru from Camberwell Lodge Care Home won in the chef category. He’s been in the role for nearly two years following 10 years in the hospitality industry.

He said: “Winning at the Southwark Care Awards brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I love the fact that every day I come to work and I know our residents’ meal needs and dietary specifications. It makes the cooking experience wholesome compared to restaurants where the chef receives random customers.

“For a role like mine, you need to carry patience, a calm attitude and selflessness because serving in a care home is more like a parent taking care of their family.”

Other winners included: Jennifer Skirrow from the council’s Pause service in the council officer category; Carole Brady from Bede House Association in the day centre category; Chelsea Peters in the family/friend carer category; Kingsley Chisom in the homecare category; Paula Johnson in the supported living or floating/outreach worker category; Miah Russell, Muhammad Shahiyar Hussain, and Mahlia Thomas in the young carer category.

Cllr Evelyn Akoto, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are shining a light on the work of carers as everyday heroes who help people stay independent, safe and well so they can live the lives they want to.

“It was a privilege to meet the winners of our first Southwark Care Awards and I was inspired to hear how each of you go the extra mile for the people you care for.

“We are so proud of and grateful to Southwark’s adult social care workforce. The council is doing all we can to make sure carers have the support they need; from a new £500,000 fund for unpaid carers to having two charters which guarantee proper training and decent pay for care workers based on the real cost of living.”

Pictured top: Winners of the Southwark Care Awards with Cllr Naima Ali (centre) (Picture: LB Southwark)