A DEDICATED carer has been hailed an unsung hero.
Ange Booth, a staff member at Low Furlong Care Home in Shipston, has been awarded Runner Up in The Carer’s Unsung Hero Award.
Sector publication The Carer launched the award to recognise and celebrate staff working in the residential and nursing care sector who have, during the coronavirus crisis, gone above and beyond regular work duties.
Ange, a domestic staff member, was nominated by home manager, Leanne Braham, for making it her mission to support the team and becoming an advocate for mental health.
Leanne said: “We have many ‘unsung heroes’ at Low Furlong who go above and beyond each day to make the home we work and live in a better place but, this year, Ange has really stood out.
“This is not only for the effort she has put in to supporting the team during what has been a particularly difficult time in social care, but for her determination to learn, develop and complete her Mental Health First Aid course.
“We are all very proud of her.”
Ange was due to begin her training as a mental health first aider before it was postponed due to the pandemic. So instead, she completed the course via Zoom and is now a fully qualified mental health first aider.
Ange has set up several schemes in the home, including a staff support box, where staff can post about any concerns or worries they are facing, both in and out of work.
She has also organised a mental health area in the staff room – which includes valuable information, guidance and resources.
And to celebrate World Mental Health Day, Ange wrote every staff member a card with a positive message about them.
Ange said: “I am truly honoured, not only to have been nominated but to be one of the runners up.
“The team here helped me when I was suffering with severe anxiety, and now I know I can give the same support to others who may be experiencing similar difficulties.
“I love my work at Low Furlong and now I get to make a difference to those I work with as well as those we have the pleasure of caring for.”
