Norfolk Support Worker Shortlisted for Prestigious Local Care Hero Award

Gail Preston of Long Road Supported Living Service has been shortlisted as one of three finalists for the prestigious Local Care Hero award in the Norfolk Care Awards 2022.  The awards celebrate excellence in care across Norfolk and recognise individuals who have gone the extra mile in showing dedication to their work.

Support Manager at Ambient Support, Katrina Nobbs, nominated Gail for her 22 years of continuous unwavering service at Long Road.

 Katrina says: “Gail has gone above and beyond on many occasions. Whatever the weather she always turns up for work, she pulls on her walking boots in the snow to trek along rural roads to make sure she is at work to support the people she cares for. If someone is unwell and requires overnight care, Gail will be curled up at the bottom of the bed on the floor to make sure the people we care for feel safe and cared for.”

Gail’s patience and kindness is recognised by families and colleagues, and she assists in all aspects of work at Long Road including ordering medication, cooking, cleaning and helping with budgets.

Gail says: “I was shocked when I found out I had been nominated as I feel I am only doing my job. I enjoy working at Long Road for Ambient Support, it suited my lifestyle when my children were young, and I find it extremely rewarding providing excellent care for the people we support.”

The residents at Long Road are like one extended family and Gail has looked after the same four people since joining in December 2000. Her care extends to supporting people on holidays, day trips and with celebrations. She has also provided support for end-of-life care, never wavering in her commitment to her role.

Katrina adds: “I would not be able to do my job without staff like Gail who continually put themselves out to support the service. Gail embodies the Ambient values by putting the people we support at the heart of all she does, doing everything she can to ensure that the people we support have the highest quality of life. Gail shows huge passion in her work and her calm approach has such a positive impact. I am proud to call Gail my work colleague and I am grateful to have worked with her for almost 22 years. She is nothing short of amazing.”

Gail is of retirement age but with a strong attachment to the people she supports and the Ambient team she plans to continue working at Long Road for the foreseeable future.

Finalists in the Norfolk Care Awards 2022 now go forward in a public vote and winners will be announced at the award ceremony on Thursday 3 November, held at New Venue Holiday Inn Norwich Airport.

Vote for Gail by clicking here: Finalists for Norfolk Care Awards 2022 announced | North Norfolk News

Voting closes on 30th September 2022