Selfless efforts

A total of 60 carers have had their hard work and selfless efforts recognised by the people who receive care which enables them to remain in their own homes in Kirklees.

A record number of staff received nominations from customers of Caremark Kirklees at the family-run company’s recent carer of the year awards.

The awards were presented at a special ceremony (held over two sessions) in Brooke’s Mill, Huddersfield, where Caremark has its head office.

The Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Masood Ahmed was the guest of honour at the morning ceremony, with former Huddersfield Giants and England rugby league legend Eorl Crabtree attending in the afternoon to hand out prizes.

Each member of staff had their nomination read out to them before receiving a certificate, medal, and commemorative pen.

All the nominations were then used to determine the overall carer of the year, as well as several special awards, including those for long service.

The carer of the year award went to Rabia Medlock, who won it for the second successive year.

One customer said: “It’s thanks to carers like Rabia that I can stay at home.”

The daughter of another customer said: “Rabia goes above and beyond for my dad completing all tasks to the highest standards. Her experience and passion she has for her work is a credit to Caremark.”

Rabia said: “To discover I had won the award again was overwhelming and I am so grateful to everyone that nominated me.

“I worked in manufacturing before I joined Caremark in 2020 and I can’t see myself doing anything but this now. I love what I do, and it doesn’t even feel like a job.”

Caremark Kirklees Managing Director Duncan Smith said: “When I started Caremark Kirklees in 2015, we had one customer and two members of staff, and now we have over 90 carers looking after 150 customers in their own homes.

“I am very proud of the work our carers do, day in day out, and every single one of them are winners who deserved to be recognised.”

The Mayor of Kirklees said: “It’s clear the carers go above and beyond, and it filled me with great pride when I listened to the nominations being read out.

“It’s clear Caremark Kirklees and its carers share the same values we hold dear in the borough which are around Pride, Inclusivity and Kindness and on behalf of everyone at Kirklees Council I would like to thank you for everything you do.”