A Hessle care home is celebrating a remarkable four finalist places in the Great British Care Awards, with recognition spanning dementia care, frontline leadership, management and the home’s entire care team.
St Mary’s Riverside Care Home, on Wintersgill Place, which is operated by St Mary’s Care Homes, will be represented at the Yorkshire & Humber regional finals by Kathryn “Kizzy” Bateman, Sophie Moody and Home Manager Laura Barnsley, alongside the home’s wider care team.
Kizzy is a finalist for The Dementia Carer Award, Sophie has been shortlisted for The Frontline Leaders Award and Laura is in the running for The Care Home Registered Manager Award, while the St Mary’s Riverside Care Home team is a finalist for The Care Team Award.
Kizzy’s nomination highlighted her compassionate approach to supporting people living with dementia, including using music and singing to reassure residents during moments of distress.
Sophie, who has worked as a Deputy Manager for more than 20 years, was recognised for her hands-on leadership and commitment to developing others. She has mentored Kizzy over several years, supporting her progression from Care Assistant to Senior Care Assistant and then Team Leader.
Sophie has also recently been named a finalist in the Deputy Manager of the Year category at the National Care Awards, giving her two major awards finalist places this year.
Laura’s nomination recognises more than 30 years working in social care and over 20 years as a Registered Manager. She commissioned St Mary’s Riverside Care Home and led the home to an Outstanding CQC rating at its first inspection.
The fourth finalist place recognises the wider St Mary’s Riverside Care Home team and its commitment to supporting residents’ individual personalities, interests and choices.
Laura Barnsley, Home Manager at St Mary’s Riverside Care Home, said: “Four finalist places from one home is an incredible achievement and I couldn’t be prouder of everyone at St Mary’s Riverside Care Home.
“What makes it particularly special is the breadth of the recognition. Kizzy represents the compassionate, individual dementia care our team strives to provide every day, Sophie’s recognition in two major awards is testament to the way she develops and encourages others, and our Care Team finalist place belongs to everyone who contributes to making St Mary’s Riverside Care Home the home it is.
“I’m obviously delighted to be shortlisted myself, but as a manager there is nothing better than seeing the people around you receive recognition for what they do. We’ll be going to Leeds incredibly proud to represent St Mary’s Riverside Care Home together.”
Kirsty Crozier, Managing Director of St Mary’s Care Homes, said: “To have four finalists from St Mary’s Riverside Care Home is an outstanding achievement and says a great deal about the culture Laura and her team have created.
“Exceptional care depends on strong leadership, but it also depends on developing people, recognising their potential and giving them the confidence to make a difference. It is particularly fitting to see Kizzy, Sophie and Laura recognised alongside the wider care team.
“It is also an exciting time for St Mary’s Care Homes in the area, with St Mary’s Chanterlands Lodge Care Home preparing to welcome its first residents in Hull later this year. As we continue to grow our services locally, it’s fantastic to see the people already delivering exceptional care receiving the recognition they deserve.”
The finalists will attend the Great British Care Awards Yorkshire & Humber regional finals at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Friday 6 November.
The awards celebrate excellence across the social care sector, recognising individuals and teams who demonstrate outstanding dedication and achievement. Regional winners will progress to the Great British Care Awards National Final.
St Mary’s Riverside Care Home is operated by St Mary’s Care Homes and provides residential, dementia and respite care in Hessle.