‘Make a Difference’ Team Award Winners
Every year, the Choice Care Awards shine a light on the extraordinary people across our organisation who make a real and lasting difference to the lives of those we support. From inspiring personal achievements to heart-warming moments of independence, the awards recognise the teams and colleagues whose dedication turns everyday care into something truly exceptional.
The Choice Care ‘Make a Difference’ award celebrates how a care team has supported a person to turn a dream into a reality, for example settling into their new home, getting a job, learning a new skill, taking up a new hobby, maybe joining a local club, or simply having a holiday that maybe hasn’t always been possible before.
We’ve spoke to the winners of our ‘Make a Difference – Team’ Award and talking to- The Beeches and Redlands.
The Beeches – Winner, West Region
The Beeches team were recognised for their exceptional teamwork, resilience and dedication in helping people we support to achieve their personal goals. This year, one person we support realised a long-held dream by attending a week-long rugby tournament in Spain. The trip required careful planning and coordination, but it proved to be a huge success. He enjoyed the experience so much that he is already planning next year’s trip!
The team also helped four people we support to go on holidays, including one person whose suitcase was lost upon arrival abroad. Colleagues remained calm and focused, helping him make the most of the experience, try new activities and create lasting memories. Across everything they do, the Beeches team consistently demonstrate what outstanding care looks like: helping the people we support gain confidence, learn new skills and live life to the fullest.
We spoke to Janette, Registered Manager at The Beeches, about what winning the award meant for her and the team. She said, “I was so pleased we were nominated. It felt like recognition of the hard work, dedication and compassion that every member of the team shows every day.”
Reflecting on the moment they won, Janette shared that she felt incredibly honoured and humbled. “It was a wonderful surprise and a reminder that the work we do together really does make a difference. I’m grateful to be part of a team that supports one another and the recognition motivates me to keep striving for positive impact.”
For Janette and the team, the award has become a source of pride and validation. She explained that it reinforced the value of their commitment to the people we support and inspired them to continue providing exceptional care. “It meant a lot to the team to be recognised for all their hard work and dedication.”
Redlands – Winner, South and East Region
Redlands were recognised for their person-centred approach in helping someone we support to reconnect with her mum after many years. The team worked tirelessly to build trust and confidence, supporting the person with calming techniques and facilitating regular visits and phone calls. Their efforts enabled the person to spend Christmas Day at her family home for the first time in over five years, a milestone that brought joy and meaning not only to her but also to her family.
We spoke to Stephenie Miller, Registered Manager at Redlands, who described her reaction to the nomination: “I was very excited that we had been recognised for a nomination. Just being nominated was an honour.”
When the team won, she said, “Words cannot describe it! I was absolutely ecstatic and so proud of my team. Attending the awards was fantastic—we had such a memorable day, from hearing all the wonderful stories from other nominees to enjoying the entertainment, including a magician and a person we support performing music.”
Stephenie explained that the award serves as both recognition and motivation. “It shows we must be doing something right and inspires us to keep improving on what we are already doing. It’s been motivating for all of us.”
