'Magical evening' as RBWM care provider scoops Great British Care Award

The team at a borough-based care provider has scooped a top prize at the Great British Care Awards national finals.

All-Care Thames Valley which operates in Windsor and Maidenhead won the ‘Home Care Team’ award beating 12 regional finalists in their category.

The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the social care sector and the RBWM team were recognised with their first national win at the awards ceremony at the ICC in Birmingham on Friday, March 22.

Home care manager Kirstie O’Keeffe said it was an ‘unbelievable achievement’ that the team’s efforts were ‘recognised, respected and celebrated’.

She added: “Team RBWM has done an outstanding job right from the beginning.

“To get a nomination to be shortlisted as a finalist is brilliant. To win the regional finals is amazing. To win the national finals is what dreams are made of.

“As a team, we have strong leadership, trust, respect and shared goals. All these ingredients create the magic.

“We had a fantastic week leading up to the awards. Our customers, the care staff, myself and care co-ordinator Gemma did everything we could to secure the win.”

Following an interview with the judging panel, the All Care team were praised for ‘infusing magic into every interaction, spreading joy wherever they go’ and for their dedication to providing ‘genuine person-centred care’.

The judges said: “With a diverse and enthusiastic group of members, they foster a familial atmosphere, treating one another with the utmost respect and camaraderie.”

“As a team, they are a pleasure to work alongside. We are extremely proud of them, as are our customers,” added Kirstie.

All Care looks after customers in their own homes to maintain their independence and operates in and around Maidenhead, Windsor and Ascot.

The team of 30 carers and seven office staff are based in offices at Hare Hatch.

Care coordinator Gemma Kingston added: “For me, there is something special about when you are recognised as the best at something, it means that we are getting it right. We are providing a service that’s making a real difference to people’s lives.”

The 21 All-Care staff members who attended the award ceremony in Birmingham said it was a ‘magical evening’ and ‘buzzing’ with more than 1600 guests in the room and Rylan Clark presenting the awards.

Kirstie said: “Mine and Gemma’s reactions on the night were priceless. I couldn’t stop crying, even walking back with the award. Chairs flew where people literally jumped out of their seats clapping and screaming.

“It’s the recognition for the care staff. They are amazing, and they don’t get anything for being a care worker – they don’t get bonuses and stuff like that. For me, it’s the biggest achievement in my career and I could not be prouder of them.”