Twice as Nice Charity Scoops Two Care Awards

6th July 2015

Age UK Sheffield is celebrating a double success after picking up two care awards.

The charity's Wellbeing Centre and Independent Living Coordinator Sarah Hargreaves were both recognised at the Carers' Week Awards, where they received certificates from Lord Mayor Councillor Talib Hussain. As part of the city's Carers' Week celebrations, the special ceremony was organised by Carers in Sheffield and held in the Lord Mayor's Parlour at Sheffield Town Hall. All the winners were nominated by carers who felt they had been outstanding in their support. Age UK Sheffield's Wellbeing Centre is a pioneering facility that helps older people with dementia maintain their independence, enjoy leisure pursuits, explore new interests and activities and meet other people going through similar experiences. Based at Norfolk Heritage Park, the centre, which recently underwent a service re-launch, is visited by up to 50 people living with debilitating memory loss. The charity's Independent Living Coordinator Sarah Hargreaves was nominated by a former Age UK Sheffield client and carer who she helped by supporting her and her husband through his Alzheimer's diagnosis, making sure they were aware of how the social care process works, liaising with Social Services on their behalf and linking them with services including Carers in Sheffield, lunch clubs and social activities. Sarah also ensured the couple received benefits they were entitled to, supported them with their physical and mental health issues, and provided information on cleaning and other services to help them maintain their independence. She said: -I am over the moon about the award. For me Age UK Sheffield services are just part of the job that we do every day but I am so happy that it can make such a very real difference. -The client who nominated me is one of thousands of carers that work very hard 24/7 and so it is very rewarding to hear that we have been able to help in some way. Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Talib Hussain, said: -The awards help acknowledge the vital role that carers play in helping the wellbeing of people across Sheffield and are a platform to help raise the profile of the amazing work they do. -Carers are often unsung heroes who do remarkable things every day. It's great to see people recognised for this. Age UK Sheffield is an independent, local organisation dedicated to enabling older people to be the architect of their own lives and live life to the full. More than 12,000 people a year benefit from its services. The organisation is dedicated to supporting older people in Sheffield, particularly those who are vulnerable or isolated, to help them regain and maintain their independence and get the most out of life. To access Age UK Sheffield services please contact 0114 250 2850, email enquiries@ageuksheffield.org.uk or visit www.ageuk.org.uk/sheffield