Thank you to our sponsors Total Motion, for helping us to make every moment matter for our colleagues - recognising the fantastic achievements across Consensus.
This year Pool Cottage walked away as the winner of the Outstanding Team Award for the North region. This amazing team exemplifies the true spirit of collaboration, compassion, and community. Every day, they go above and beyond to make Pool Cottage not just a workplace, but a wonderful home for those living at Pool Cottage, and basically a second home for the colleagues working there, too.
From the moment you walk through the doors of Pool Cottage, you’re greeted with warmth, kindness, and an immediate sense of belonging. As one central support colleague put it: “I felt like I was in the company of friends.” The team’s genuine care and camaraderie shine through in everything they do—from creating a delicious buffet lunch to singing songs together. Their dedication and positive energy are infectious, making everyone feel welcome and valued.
Given how long the team have worked together and been a part of life at Pool Cottage, we thought we’d ask this ‘Outstanding Team’ how they make every moment matter – and here’s what they had to say.
Andrea, who has been with the company for almost 25 years and has managed Pool Cottage for 13 years, sums it up perfectly: “Pool Cottage is a fun place to live, where the people we support are always involved in what’s happening.” She emphasises her hands-on approach: “I never ask my team to do something I wouldn’t do myself,” a philosophy that has earned her team’s respect and loyalty.
Deputy Manager Claire has been with Pool Cottage since it opened 23 years ago. She reflects, “We have an amazing staff team who always support each other through tough times, ensuring our home is filled with fun and laughter.” Team Leader Verity, who has been working at Consensus for nearly 26 years, shares: “Pool Cottage is like my second home. The staff and the people we support here are like family.”
Many team members shared their fondest memories of working at Pool Cottage. From celebrating milestones and creating memorable moments to facing difficult challenges together, their stories reveal a deep sense of connection, empathy, and support. For example, Heather who has worked with Consensus for over 32 years, recalls her favourite moment of supporting a gentleman who was in a wheelchair following a stroke, just stood up one say and say he wanted to walk – and they supported him to take a few precious steps with the team’s encouragement.
Support Worker Marie, who has been with the team for nearly 22 years, highlights the challenges of the pandemic: “We worked hard and supported each other through COVID, which was hard for everyone.” Similarly, Alice added, “COVID really tested us, but we showed up for each other and the individuals we support, caring for them like our own family.”
Courtney, who joined Consensus in 2023, said “I have made friends for life and built relationships with the supported individuals that trust and appreciate everything we do to make their days happy, bright and healthy.”
What truly sets Pool Cottage apart is their enduring commitment to one another and the people they support. Leah describes it best, having left her role after 17 years only to return again 3 months later: “Our team are so kind, funny, and just really good people. I realised I wouldn’t find this anywhere else.” The newest members, like Christine and Charlotte, quickly felt welcomed and supported, feeling like they were part of the family from day one, and have already started to collect a memory bank of making every moment matter.
With such a strong foundation of love, respect, and teamwork, the future at Pool Cottage looks incredibly bright. The team continues to create a nurturing, joyful environment where every person, whether staff or supported individual, feels valued and heard.
Congratulations to the outstanding team at Pool Cottage—you truly embody what it means to make every moment matter, every day. Thank you for everything you do!
Thank you to our sponsors Total Motion, for helping us to make every moment matter for our colleagues - recognising the fantastic achievements across Consensus.
