Gerald Padfield wins Gold at Wiltshire Proud to Care Awards

Gerald Padfield, Dimensions Lead Support Worker, was awarded Gold at the Wiltshire Proud to Care Awards in April (2019).

Launched this year, the Wiltshire Proud to Care awards are a local initiative developed by Wiltshire Council to celebrate and recognise frontline social care staff for the valuable contribution they have made to the delivery of quality social care services in Wiltshire. Receiving over 100 nominations, there was some stiff competition!

Gerald was nominated for The Supported Living Front Line Worker category by Dimensions Trowbridge Locality Manager, Becca Newton, for his constant dedication to providing personalised and inclusive support.

The Care Home Front Line Worker Award recognises the significant role of the support worker in consistently providing a high-quality standard of care to people living in the service.

In her nomination Becca wrote:

The award was presented by Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Councillor, Jerry Wickham, who read out Gerald’s inspirational nomination;

“Gerald identifies when staff are feeling less confident in their ability to support one particular young man that we support. At these times he will step in to provide his colleague with the opportunity to shadow him, and will reinforce when they are doing a really good job. The person we support does not use verbal communication, so Gerald spends time enabling new staff to understand how he communicates and what they need to do to communicate with him.”

Gerald also ensures that the people he supports are supported to attend health appointments, and makes sure all specialist aids and additional equipment are maintained and serviced.

Gerald’s dedication to enabling the people we support to have choice, control and inclusion is evident to his other colleagues too:

“From the moment I met Gerald it was apparent that he was 100% committed to providing excellent support. He exemplifies the qualities of a lead support worker and has the people he supports at the forefront of his practice at all times. I recently witnessed Gerald supporting one young man at the Dimensions Christmas party and he really was first class. This young man has complex needs and Gerald supported him in a way that was inclusive, dignified and person centred. Gerald ensured that he had the opportunity to meet new people and enjoy the party to the full.” – Assistant Locality Manager, Jon Mace

Within his own personal development Gerald has also become competent in, and now delivers training to staff related to Aspiration, Communication and Postural Management. He has recently registered to complete his Level 5 in Management award, as part of his ongoing search for more knowledge and professional development.

Gerald is doing an incredible job in his role, and exemplifies the values Dimensions stand by; Integrity, Respect, Courage, Partnership and Ambition.

Congratulations Gerald and thank you for all that you do!

 

We’re proud to employ people like Gerald across the country, if you’re inspired by his story, why not check out a career with us too: www.dimensions-uk.org/careers