Extra Hands care company gives inaugural award to carer from Ingoldisthorpe
Small gestures have been shown to make a big difference for a carer from Ingoldisthorpe who saw her devotion to duty honoured.
Sharon Jarvis works for Heacham-based Extra Hands which provides home care for people across Norfolk. She was nominated for the award-winning company's inaugural GEM Awards by some of her care users for her exceptional devotion to duty and detail when looking after them.
Sharon, who joined the company in May 2001, said: "Too often we underestimate the power of a smile, friendly chat or the smallest act of kindness, which can make all the difference to someone’s day."
One of the people who nominated her and who has recently undergone heart surgery, said: “Sharon is an excellent carer at the best of times, but since my operations, she has gone the extra mile. She’s always caring but she truly has gone the extra lengths since lockdown. I would be lost without her.”
The GEM Awards were recently launched to celebrate members of Extra Hands' staff who Go the Extra Mile when they work with service users and their families.
Jo Tier, director of care at Extra Hands, said: “We were contacted by people who just wanted to say thank you and highlight the outstanding efforts our team have made to ensure everyone is coping during this time.
“It was lovely to read all the nominations and discover just how much is thought of our team which puts a huge effort into making sure our service users are safe, comfortable and happy."
Nominations for the next awards can be sent to Extra Hands by email to: contact@extrahands.net or by post to: Extra Hands, Units 13/14 Heacham Hall Industrial Estate, Heacham PE31 7JT (01485 570611).
Nominations can be made by a service user, a family member, staff or someone who notices the extra effort being made.