Wiltshire Care Worker Named National Carer of the Year

As a result of an unyielding passion for making a difference in the lives of others, a Wiltshire carer has been named Carer of the Year 2014 at the 16th National Care Awards.
 
Hannah Callanan, who works at The Orders of St John Care Trust’s Bemerton Lodge Care Home in Salisbury, was presented with the award at a gala dinner held at the Hilton London Metropole Hotel.
 
Nominated for her solution-oriented approach to caring and constant willingness to go above and beyond what’s expected of her, residents of Bemerton Lodge spoke highly of Hannah.
 
One of the residents, Frances Anderson, said: “A lovely young lady always willing to help and do what’s needed to make your day and life better. What is nice about Hannah is her natural kindness and happy nature. Nothing seems too much bother for her.”
 
Despite a difficult year, which saw her mother pass away after a short illness, Hannah has been praised by colleagues and residents alike for remaining happy and cheerful during such a sad time and continuing to go beyond the call of duty in her role as carer.
 
Hannah commented: “Receiving this award is a huge honour. My mother, who was also a colleague of mine at Bemerton Lodge, would have been so proud of my achievement. She was an amazing and compassionate woman, and I couldn’t be more grateful for having such a spectacular role model to learn from. Without her influence, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”
 
Andrew Cheesbrough, Chief Executive of The Orders of St John Care Trust, commented: “We’re delighted that another one of our employees has been recognised for her tireless commitment to providing the best possible care to the people that matter most – our residents.
 
“Hannah’s award is a true testament of the level of care OSJCT is committed to providing, and she is a real role model, not just for colleagues in her home and across the Trust, but for carers throughout the UK.”