first gem award winners for extra hands

Real dedication and being an excellent carer worth their weight in gold are behind the winners of a new award designed to recognise staff who Go the Extra Mile at Norfolk Home Care company Extra Hands.

The GEM Awards were recently launched to celebrate members of staff who go above and beyond the call of duty when they work with service users and their families. The inaugural awards went to Sharon Jarvis, who works from the Heacham office, and Jools Saunter (pictured) who is based at Thorpe St Andrew.

Both winners were chosen via nominations which have been submitted by service users, their families or other staff members at the award-winning company.

The awards were launched in light of the number of positive comments Extra Hands had received since the start of the Coronavirus crisis.

“We were contacted by people who just wanted to say thank-you and highlight the outstanding efforts our team have made to ensure everyone is coping during this time,” said Jo Tier, director of care.

“It was lovely to read all the nominations and discover just how much is thought of our team which puts a huge effort  into making sure our service users are safe, comfortable and happy. 

“We know how hard everyone has been working because of Coronavirus and highlighting individuals is not always easy, but we wanted to make sure they know how valued they are,” she added.

The nominations for Sharon included “She is always caring, but she truly has gone that extra mile in lockdown and especially since June when I had an operation. I would be lost without her.”

“Sharon is an excellent carer at the best of times, but since my operations she has gone that extra mile. I commend all the carers, for they have all put themselves at potential risk.”

Nominations for Jools included: “She shows real dedication and I have no hesitation in nominating her,” says a nomination which told us why Jools should receive a GEM Award.”

“Jools has been fantastic ever since lockdown came into force. She shows real dedication and I have no hesitation in nominating her. She is worth her weight in gold.

Another said: “Nothing is too much hassle for Jools. She is always in good spirit, professional and the clients love her. Every house she leaves is left immaculate.”

Nominations - either from service users, their families or our own staff - can be sent to Extra Hands by email: [email protected] or by post: Extra Hands, Units 13/14 Heacham Hall Industrial Estate, Heacham PE31 7JT or Unit A10 Abbey Farm Commercial Park, Southwell Road, Horsham St Faith, Norwich NR10 3JU.