NOMINATIONS are now open for the fourth Solihull Together Awards – proudly sponsored and supported once again by the Solihull Observer.
The annual awards recognise individuals and organisations who are working together to make life better for Solihull residents.
They have been created by a partnership of local health and social care organisations – Solihull Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust, West Midlands Ambulance Service, Solihull’s primary care providers, the voluntary and community sector and lay members representing the Solihull community.
Nick Page, Chief Executive of SMBC and Chair of the Solihull Together Programme Board said: “The Solihull Together Awards look beyond the boundaries of individual organisations and communities to celebrate how Solihull as a place is working together to support our population.
“Since we established them in 2015, the Awards have helped to highlight inspiring stories about residents, volunteers, health and care professionals who are working incredibly hard to improve the lives of our frail and vulnerable residents.
“As we launch the Solihull Together 2018 Awards I’m looking forward to hearing many more stories of outstanding and innovative work across the borough.”
This year nominations can be submitted for nine award categories which range from Local Hero, which will be judged by The Observer, to Outstanding Community Project to Inspiring Leaders and Health and Care professionals.
In addition the judges will select one outstanding nomination from these categories to receive the Chairman’s Award.
Maureen Johnson, Carer Governor for Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust and Chair of the Awards judging panel, explains what makes a successful nomination.
She said: “Each year we’ve had more than 100 nominations to read, so make sure your submission does the person or team justice.
“We can only judge using the evidence provided so give us plenty of facts and tell us how the person or team is making a difference to people’s lives.
“Highlight anything innovative they are doing and if you can, include quotes from the people being supported.”
For more on the awards and information on how to submit an online nomination visit www.solihulltogether.co.uk/awards
Posters with these details are also being distributed to locations around the borough including libraries, GP surgeries and care homes.
The closing date for nominations is midday on Monday, January 29 and The Solihull Together 2018 Awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, March 22 at the Renewal Conference Centre in Solihull.
You can follow the awards via Twitter with the handle @ST4BL.
The award categories:
1) The Solihull Together Local Hero award – Sponsored and presented by The Solihull Observer
This award is for an individual or small group who have had a big impact on the lives of family members, neighbours or their local community.
The award recognises residents (such as carers or volunteers) who are working in a personal or voluntary capacity with vulnerable and frail adults in Solihull.
2) The Solihull Together Care Professional of the Year
This award is for an outstanding social care professional (eg social worker, care worker, support worker) who works, in a paid capacity, with adults in Solihull.
3) The Solihull Together Health Professional of the Year
This award is for an outstanding health care worker (eg healthcare assistant, nurse, therapist, mental health professional, doctor), who works, in a paid capacity, with adults in Solihull.
4) The Solihull Together Care Team of the Year
This award is for a team that has made an outstanding contribution to caring for adults in Solihull.
This award is open to the public and private sector, professional and voluntary groups and includes teams who provide care at home, in a care home or other setting.
5) The Solihull Together Primary Care Service of the Year
This award celebrates innovation in care for adult patients. It is open to providers of primary care including GP surgeries, pharmacies, dentists and opticians.
6) The Solihull Together award for collaborative working
This award is open to any partnership or project which involves two or more organisations, groups or societies working together to support adults in Solihull.
It is open to all types of organisation including private, public sector and voluntary groups.
7) The Solihull Together award for outstanding community project
This award is for an innovative project delivered in a community setting, which supports vulnerable and frail adults.
This category is open to all types of organisation including voluntary groups and private or public sector organisations.
It is also open to individuals.
8) The Solihull Together award for outstanding customer care
This award is open to individuals, voluntary, public and private sector teams or organisations that provide a great customer experience for adults in Solihull.
This could include providing care for someone in a crisis situation.
9) The Solihull Together Inspiring Leader award
This award celebrates the most inspirational individuals, at any level of an organisation, who have demonstrated leadership and have kept colleagues motivated in the face of challenges and changes.
It is open to all types of organisations supporting adults in Solihull.
10. The Solihull Together Chairman’s Award
This is a discretionary award chosen by the judging panel for any nominee who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to improving the lives of adults in Solihull.
No nominations are required for this award.
