New Directions Celebrate Achievements Of Employees At Staff Award Event

New Directions Celebrate Achievements Of Employees At Staff Award Event

Sefton’s leading adult social care provider paid tribute to the exceptional achievements of its employees at the organisation’s second staff awards event this week.

The New Directions Annual Achievers evening was held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in Southport, and hosted by Simon Smithies who has compered many of the resort’s top tourism events.

The ceremony looked back at the company’s work over the last 12 months supporting those who have needs due to their age, and other adults with disabilities or mental health support needs.

VIP guests included Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Paul Cummins, and the local authority Chief Executive, Margaret Carney, who is also a New Directions Board Member.

Entertainment was provided by talented local singer Wendy Maxwell and by the organisation’s drama team, New Centre Stage, who received a standing ovation after performing excerpts from their recent show An Evening at the Musicals, including songs from Sister Act, The Lion King and My Fair Lady.

Award winners on the night included Woodlands in Bootle, a supported living service for adults with mental health needs (Special Achievement Team, a joint award with the Reablement Team).

The equivalent award for individuals went to Gary Mitchell who spearheads many of the creative activities at the organisation’s New Creations art and craft workshop.

Other gongs went to Anne Jones of Waterloo Park Day Centre (Carer of the Year) and Isobel Kelly of the New Directions North Hub – Mornington Road (Going the Extra Mile Award).

The 2017 Star Achievers were the Reablement Team who provide support to individuals returning home after a stay in hospital, helping them to continue living independently and also freeing up in-demand hospital beds.

Speaking at the event, Margaret Carney said that the stories behind this year’s award winners demonstrate the excellent work that all New Directions staff are doing across the borough.

The organisation’s Chief Operating Officer, Penny Fell, said that the awards evening had again been an outstanding success: “At the end of a challenging year it’s good to reflect on the many positive developments that we’ve seen over the last 12 months.

“The event is a fantastic way to salute the work of our staff who, day in and day out, make  a real difference to the quality of the lives of some of the most vulnerable members of the Sefton community.”

New Directions was established in Sefton in 2007 as the first local authority social care trading company in the country.

Ten years on, the organisation remains at the forefront of the local care sector, with a team of more than 300 staff caring for older Sefton residents, or people with disabilities or mental health support needs.

For more information about the services offered by New Directions, or to find out about joining the team, ring 0151 934 3726 or visit www.ndirections.co.uk.

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