Norfolk carers awarded for ‘going the extra mile'

A former shop worker and a single mum who both switched careers to take up care work in Norfolk have been rewarded for their outstanding performances in their new roles.

The carers, at  family-run care company Extra Hands, each received the firm’s coveted GEM Award for ‘going the extra mile’ in their work.

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Teresa Potter, who works from the company’s Broadland office, also won a GEM Award – and it’s her second in under a year.

The 59-year-old, of North Walsham, was given the award in September last year, just six months after starting work at family owned Extra Hands.

She was nominated this time around by the appreciative family of a service user with dementia.

“Teresa always goes above and beyond each time she visits Grandad,” says the nomination. 

“She knows every little thing about his care, even down to the little but important things, such as putting a handkerchief in each pocket when he gets dressed, heating the milk up for his cereal, cutting up hard foods for Grandad.”

It continued: “Many times I have seen Teresa on the cameras playing old songs for Grandad on his Alexa, and they have a good old sing along together.

“If Grandad ever gets an important call or letter, Teresa will always make sure he rings me to let me know, as she knows he will forget due to his dementia.

“Nothing is ever too much of a problem for her, and my grandad adores her. We as a family are so grateful for all she does for him. Thank you, Teresa.”

Miss Potter said: “It was quite embarrassing to win twice in one year, and totally unexpected.

“At Extra Hands they all do such a good job that I was embarrassed to have been singled out for a second time, but people are pleased for me and everyone’s been saying it’s well deserved, which is really nice.

“I love the job, and just love seeing people smile when I leave, knowing that I’ve made a difference, they’re happy, and they’ve got everything they need.”

Julie Hughes, who worked for a supermarket before joining the Heacham branch of Extra Hands, was nominated for the accolade by a co-worker whom she had helped to train, and who was full of praise for the 54-year-old.

“Julie has taken her time in explaining everything that I need to know during my induction shadowing shifts,” read the nomination, which also described her as “a kind, caring and calm person, who is always willing to help and to answer questions to her best ability” and concluded “anyone will be lucky to have Julie to train them when they start at Extra Hands”.

Mrs Hughes, of Downham Market, said: “It’s an absolute privilege to have won, as it means I’m being appreciated, and that gives you that extra little boost. The person who nominated me wrote some lovely things about me “I was just buzzing and absolutely on a high for a few days!”

She continued: “I’m passionate about training and ensuring that they know everything they need to know – and there is a lot to know.I always tell them to treat service users like you would treat your nan and grandad, and how you’d like them to be treated.

“You’re not ‘only a carer’ – you’ve got to have love in your bones. It’s a very hard job, but it’s very rewarding. I absolutely love it!”

Extra Hands provides bespoke home care visit packages across Norfolk to suit all budgets and requirements, and has offices in Heacham and Broadland.

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