“Outstanding contributions” by CMG staff across the country have been recognised at the learning disability care provider’s annual awards evening.
A record number of nominations, more than 350, came from the families of people they support, including Kevin Berryman, who won the Spirit of CMG award after being put forward by a service user’s relative.
Berryman is Deputy Manager of the provider’s New Dawn service in Norfolk has worked there for over 12 years and is well-known throughout the organisation. The relative who nominated him said: “Kevin’s calm personality and hands-on experience has been, and is, invaluable to all the severely challenged people in his care over the years. He has been the most dedicated, helpful and trusted person for our family.”
Reacting to the nomination and the award, Berryman said: “The people we support make every day so enjoyable, I love working with them. There can be challenges at times, but I wouldn’t change it for anything. I’m delighted that they enjoy seeing me as much as I enjoy seeing them.”
Alongside this award, Kim Long picked up the Manager of the Year award, was put forward for the prize by a relative of a person supported at CMG’s Masons Hill service. Under CMG and Kim’s leadership, Masons Hill has flourished; all of the tenants have greatly developed their social and independence skills and, as a result of this, have been supported to identify and gain both voluntary and paid employment opportunities.
“It means so much that a family member of someone we support nominated me for the award. The individuals we care for are the people who matter most, so to be recognised in this way means so much.
“Of course, we wouldn’t have been able to turn the service around if it wasn’t for the whole team at Masons Hill – this award is for each and every one of them.”
Among the other people honoured included (pictured above from left to right): Harissing Luchmineea (3rd Place Manager of the Year) Onyekwere Ogueri (Outstanding Contribution to CMG) and Robert Bartlett (2nd Place Lead Support Worker of the Year).
Peter Kinsey, Chief Executive of CMG, concluded: “Our staff work tirelessly every day to ensure the people they support receive the very highest standards of care.
“The awards evening is an excellent way to recognise their invaluable contributions. Their passion and commitment are what drives us forward.”
CMG is a leading provider of residential care, supported living services and domiciliary care for people with learning disabilities and additional complex needs. The organisation supports over 600 people across England and Wales.
