We couldn’t do what we do without our community of amazing colleagues dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. And tonight, we’re coming together to celebrate some of the exceptional people at Consensus, who have made it to the finals of the National Learning Disabilities & Autism awards – celebrating the excellence of individuals and organisations providing the highest quality of care.
Finalist in The Support Worker Award
An integral part of the team at Kingston House, Yasmeen’s work has not only impressed the management and team at the service, but the people we support there, too. She works in such a wholeheartedly person-centred way, there’s been a real and visible difference in the house thanks to Yas.
At a service where creativity and fun are really important to the people who call Kingston House home, Yasmeen has been knighted with the exclusive title of Arts Ambassador. She has embraced this role with real passion and joy. Whatever the occasion (and even when there isn’t one), we receive photos by the bucketload of all the creative arts activities taking place here.
Yasmeen’s commitment to engaging the people we support in activities that support their wellbeing, that encourage fun, that are tailored to their individual needs and interests is inspiring. From singing nursery rhymes, reading stories, cooking and baking, developing communal creative exercises. The people we support absolutely love spending time engaging in Yasmeen’s activities, and we love hearing the laughter, embracing the smiles and seeing the beautiful creations around the house.
Thank you for everything you do, Yasmeen. You deserve your place at the finals.
Finalist in The Manager Award
Being nominated by many people across the organisation, Kasia is an exceptional leader, who is completely invested in the service, her team, and the care of the people they support at Rowan House. She has helped create a service where attention to detail is off the scale. From the minute you step in the door, it’s evident.
Canvases of each person who lives there adorn the hallway, taken by a professional photographer with copies gifted to family. And for the team, she has created a PositiviTEA corner, where they can stop, breathe, and share positive thoughts whilst having a cuppa together.
Kasia has developed ‘Projects’ for the supported individuals. Here’s just a taste of them:
A team member said “Kasia has fully supported me throughout my Consensus journey and has fully supported me to grow. I now have to opportunity to progress the career ladder higher within another service and be fully supported at the same time. Best manager I’ve worked with for a long time in my care career.”
Area Director Lee said “Kasia is the first to complete tasks to ensure she can support her team well, and we’ve seen big changes in the happiness of both residents and team members. She puts people at the centre of everything she does – the people we support and her colleagues – and deserves every recognition for her hard work, commitment and for being an amazing person.”
Congratulations on being a finalist, Kasia. You are appreciated!
Consensus are delighted to be a finalist for the Oliver McGowan Trainer Award. Our L&OD team have wholeheartedly embraced the introduction of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training at Consensus, reaching 100% compliance on e-learning. In an organisation that’s 2000 strong, that’s no mean feat!
Our training team are being supported by an amazing group of Experts by Experience who will be supporting us in delivering our Tier 2 training. We’ve recruited 17 people who live within our services as co-trainers, 8 of which are now fully trained and delivering training to our colleagues across the UK.
Oliver said “I didn’t realise what happened to my namesake. It was shocking to hear and I’m happy I’ll be able help others to learn more about us so things like this don’t happen again.”
Mani said “Olivers story is so sad but what happened to him is still happening, so we need to make sure everyone is safe.”
The team have already created greater awareness across Consensus of the importance of listening to autistic people and people with a learning disability. They have given the people we support a voice and a platform to talk about their experiences and how we can better support them. What a positive impact this has had and will continue to have into the future, for everyone.
Well done, Team. Keep up the good work, and enjoy this evening’s celebrations!
