Oldham dementia worker in running for a Great British Care Award

Susan O'Sullivan

A social care worker has been shortlisted for an award for her dedication during the pandemic.

Team leader Susan O'Sullivan is in the running for a Great British Care Award, for her work with Oldham Dementia Service.

Susan will find out in the middle of the month whether she has been named Covid social care hero at a ceremony in Manchester. Last year, Susan's team of four support workers was named care team of the year at the north west heats of the competition.

Oldham Dementia Service provides practical and emotional support to carers and people living with memory problems through one-to-one support and a number of groups.

Regular dementia-friendly sessions run around the Oldham area, from arts and craft, to walking groups and singing and dancing. A new LGBTQI+ group has been set up in recent months. During lockdowns, the service continued to offer support over Zoom.

Susan said: "In the early days of the pandemic, we applied for funding to help keep the people who use our service connected. Many were without access to the internet or didn't know how to use Zoom, so we were able to provide electronic tablets and training.

"In more recent times, it has been a great relief for many people to be able to meet up face-to-face again and our carers and their family members who are living with dementia and memory problems are enjoying taking part in our groups once again.

"I feel very grateful to have been shortlisted for this award during what has been one of the most difficult periods of my time working in social care."

Rachel Peacock, CEO, Making Space, said: "Susan's leadership of Oldham Dementia Service throughout the pandemic has been exemplary.

"Her initiative and determination has meant a continuity of care for the people we support, not to mention people learning new digital skills that will help them in other aspects of their lives.

"She would be a very deserving winner."

Susan will find out if she has won a Great British Care Award at a gala dinner at the Kimpton Hotel in Manchester in the middle of November.

You can contact Oldham Dementia Service by calling 0161 633 2403 or emailing oldhamdementia@makingspace.co.uk

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