A team of Darlington support workers has been named Social Care Covid Hero of the year.

The Darlington Rapid Response team, which supports people in their own homes with a wide range of care needs, were crowned winners the Great British Care Awards in Newcastle.

The audience at the Grand Hotel Gosforth Park heard how judges selected the Darlington team for “expertly responding to the increased emergency workload catalysed by the pandemic.”

“The Darlington Rapid Response team proved themselves to be a vital lifeline for many during Covid,” they said.

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“Ensuring both physical and mental wellbeing, when clients couldn’t see their families the Rapid Response team geared up with PPE to talk and comfort those in need.”

Unfortunately, due to an administrative mix-up, the team wasn't there to pick up the award in person.

The Northern Echo: The Darlington Rapid Response team The Darlington Rapid Response team (Image: ST PR)

Colleagues, however, from the adult health and social care charity Making Space, which runs the service, had also been shortlisted for awards and were happy to collect the trophy on the team's behalf.

Rebecca Liddle is the registered service manager at Darlington extra care housing scheme Rosemary Court, where the care is provided by Making Space.

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She said: “We had two other finalists on the night from Making Space services in Darlington - the menopause and wellbeing group from Rosemary Court, and my daughter Chloe, who was shortlisted for the voluntary activities she runs with tenants at Rosemary Court.

“When we got to the ceremony and found out the Rapid Response team had also been shortlisted, I was absolutely blown away. And for them to then win was the icing on the cake.

“I just wish the team had been with us on the night. But the menopause group and Chloe were absolutely thrilled for their friends and went on the stage with me to celebrate.”

The Darlington Rapid Response team took home the award for the whole of the north east region, and will now go forward to the national GBCA finals in Birmingham in March.

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The team of 14 care workers support people in their homes who need emergency help within a quick time frame, such as people discharged from hospital or when regular carers  aren’t available.

Support includes personal care, meal preparations, housework, shopping, prescriptions and collecting medication, often in collaboration with social services and district nurses.

During Covid restrictions, rather than scaling back, the team increased the service. They worked together to anticipate the extra needs of the people who use the service.

Making Space provided PPE, and safety protocols were established and continuously updated to ensure no one was put at risk. 

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Phil Orton, chief people officer, Making Space, said: “The support the Darlington Rapid Response team provides during normal times is exceptional - they’re flexible and proactive and ensure everyone receives the home care they need.

 “During Covid, they exceeded everyone’s expectations, including our commissioners. The Rapid Response team is very highly regarded and it’s wonderful to see team members receive recognition. And congratulations also to the Menopause and Wellbeing Group and volunteer Chloe Liddle, who were very worthy finalists.

 “We’re incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated professionals and volunteers here at Making Space. Every day I’m inspired by the values and commitment of the people around me to make a real difference to the lives of others.”

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