FitzRoy Nottinghamshire celebrate success
The staff and people we support in FitzRoy Nottinghamshire came together for an evening full of laughter, dancing and celebration. The vibrant atmosphere in the room made it a night to remember for everyone. Beverley Pearson, Community Fundraising Coordinator, told us more.
This was the second awards in Nottinghamshire since Lucy Smith, Deputy Manager, got inspiration from the 2015 Pride of FitzRoy Awards. Staff wanted to celebrate the achievements of the people we support and praise dedicated staff.
A local Football club hosted the event, and provided a delicious buffet which everyone tucked into before the presentation of awards. The people we support were first to get their awards. They were given out in categories such as gaining independence’, managing change’, and community presence’. All winners were given a certificate of achievement and a miniature Oscar trophy to go with it.
Certificates awarded to staff were in categories ranging from most person centred’, going the extra mile’, and using initiative’. There was also a Star of FitzRoy’ award for Kerry Barlow for her amazing work, making a difference to everyone she supports.
We held a raffle then rounded off the evening with entertainment from Bob Jennings, parent of a resident in FitzRoy Supported Living. Bob sang and played tunes that got everyone up and dancing the night away. People from all FitzRoy’s Nottinghamshire services enjoyed a boogie and got to know one another, making new friends.
For me, seeing all the happy faces and the new found confidence many showed made the evening special. in particular Andrew Dove who, just last December, found it a struggle to engage with anyone at our coffee mornings. He was a different person, joining in the fun, smiling and dancing.
It was hugely successful which shows how important social inclusion is in making a difference to people’s lives.
Kimberley Cockram, Service Manager in FitzRoy Nottinghamshire, helped organise the awards night. She told us why this event is so important.
The people we support deserve all the praise they can get. Many of them go through so much difficulty in life so they deserve praise for the amazing things they achieve, rather than told what they can’t do, like so many people do.
The evening was brilliant. Everywhere I looked I saw happiness and enjoyment. My smile was a mile long! People were laughing, dancing, and enjoying a bloody good knees up! The highlight of the evening for me, was seeing everyone receive their awards and then pose for the camera, full of pride!
Have a look at our photo gallery below to get an idea of just how special the evening was. We hope the pictures make you smile as much as we did!