01/06/2026
✨🌟 YOUR STAR OF THE MONTH AWARD WINNERS FOR MAY 2026 🌟✨
Our fifth Star of the Month Awards for 2026 with the people you recommended last month for living out Future Directions values and going beyond the call of duty. Congratulations to this month’s award winners and keep up the good work.
LANCASHIRE
Alison G
Going the Extra Mile and Being Creative
Alison has gone above and beyond by spending a lot of time in the garden with a person supported, growing flowers from seeds, planting sunflowers and explaining how plants grow. The person supported has really enjoyed the learning experience and is very much enjoying their new hobby. Alison and the person supported spend a lot of time on the handmade bench in the garden, admiring all their hard work.
The nomination states: "Alison has really tuned into his needs recently and helped him to discover something of interest that he may not have found without her support."
Thank you, Alison, for your continual dedication and support in Going the Extra Mile and Being Creative.
LANCASHIRE SPECIALIST SERVICES (Sarah’s Team)
Sarah A
Putting People First and Going the Extra Mile
Sarah has been recognised for going the extra mile in her own time, by baking a beautiful birthday cake using the person supported favourite colours. Sarah also arranged, in her own time, to decorate the pub where the person supported was having her party, with balloons and banners. Sarah’s efforts really helped to make the birthday party extra special and run very smoothly.
Thank you, Sarah, for your dedicated support in Putting People First and Going the Extra Mile, it is very much appreciated.
TRAFFORD (Darren’s Team)
Paul O
Putting People First and Being Creative
Paul has been nominated for promoting and exceling the lives of the people we support and also actively motivating his team. Paul encourages the people supported to be creative, try new activities and make the most of every day. The nomination states: "Through Paul’s creativity and motivation, the people we support are living their best lives and it’s lovely to see how happy they are".
Thank you, Paul, for your continual dedication and support in Putting People First and Being Creative, your support has been very much appreciated.
MANCHESTER
Garron B
Putting People First
Garron went above and beyond by covering additional shifts at the last minute to help out with taking a person supported on holiday to help relieve the person’s anxieties. The person supported had a great time and a wonderful week away. The nomination stated: "Nothing is ever too much trouble for Garron when it comes to the people we support, he definitely deserves recognition."
Thank you, Garron, for your dedicated support in Putting People First and making a difference.
SPECIALIST SERVICES (Julian’s Team)
Donna S
Putting People First and Going the Extra Mile
Despite the pressures and demands of challenging situations, Donna has remained committed, professional and focused throughout. Donna has also taken on extra responsibilities by supporting new starters. This additional responsibility required significant time, patience, and dedication.
The nomination states: "Donna has shown remarkable resilience and has been consistently supportive throughout this process. The feedback received from the new starters highlights her excellent knowledge, professionalism, and willingness to help others succeed.
"Her ability to manage difficult situations while continuing to support her colleagues demonstrates her commitment and truly reflects someone who always goes the extra mile."
Thank you, Donna, for your continual dedication and support in Putting People First, Going the Extra Mile and continually living out the values of the organisation.
ROCHDALE (Michelle’s Team)
Catherine M
Putting People First and Going the Extra Mile
Cathy has been recognised for going the extra mile by staying with and ensuring a person supported, who was admitted into hospital, was safe and comfortable and had consistent support before being admitted to a ward. Cathy then returned to the hospital in the early hours of the morning to relieve staff and ensured family members and staff were kept up-to-date throughout the person’s time in hospital.
Thank you, Cathy, for your dedicated support in Putting People First and Going the Extra Mile.
ROCHDALE (Joanna’s Team)
Jackie W
Putting People First, Going the Extra Mile, Being Adaptable, Being Transparent, and Being Creative
Jackie continually goes above and beyond in picking up additional bank shifts at short notice. Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. Jackie will always ensure the people supported are heard and seen and includes them in all that she does. Jackie always has a smile on her face and motivates the team for the day ahead. The nomination states: "I’m extremely grateful to have such a high valued bank staff member part of our team."
Thank you, Jackie, for your continual dedication and support in Putting People First, Going the Extra Mile, Being Adaptable, Being Transparent, Being Creative, and making a difference.
STOCKPORT
Carol C
Going the Extra Mile and Being Adaptable
As a non-driver at present, Carol was unable to support a person on holiday given the excursions planned. Carol had two days off during the stated holiday and made her way to Blackpool to surprise the person and provide additional support. The person in receipt of support was delighted to see her and Carol participated in the planned activities. On return from the holiday the person has told others what a wonderful time they had and how they were so happy that Carol took the time to meet up with them.
Thank you, Carol. What a truly dedicating story of a person Going the Extra Mile and Being Adaptable. Your support was amazing.
MARLE HOUSE
Samantha H
Putting People First, Going the Extra Mile, and Being Adaptable
Sam has been recognised for her outstanding commitment and professionalism and has consistently demonstrated our core values, particularly being adaptable and going the extra mile. Sam has willingly worked outside of her usual hours when needed, showing flexibility and a strong team-focused attitude and approaches the people supported with genuine compassion, ensuring their needs and wellbeing are always a priority.
In addition, Sam has been a great support to the staff team, modelling best practice and setting a positive example for the team. She responds promptly and effectively to situations and takes a proactive approach, often anticipating needs before they become issues.
Thank you, Sam, for your continued support and dedication in Putting People First, Going the Extra Mile and Being Adaptable. Your level of dedication is an absolute commitment to the people you support and your team.
