Autism at Kingwood Annual Awards

We received so many nominations from family members, people we support and colleagues. We are delighted to announce our award winners here.  

Person we Support Award – James Gosling 

“After attending the Structured TEACCH Training, I reconsidered the way we were supporting James, and implemented a new approach.

He responded well to this approach, and in a short space of time, James has come such a long way. 

James is participating in activities which simply didn’t happen before, including riding the bus, shopping, meals out and beach visits.” Milca Mugo, Support Manager 

Newcomer Award – Beverly Moyo 

“Beverley is always happy and calm, and her confidence has grown and grown. Beverley is always willing to listen and learn . Beverley is a great asset to the team and the ladies we support at Windrush house love her too.”   Alison Lees, Support Worker

Head Office Award – Denitsa Todorova

“Denitsa has worked hard to make sure new staff employed in Kingwood are settling in well and they have as much knowledge about Kingwood as possible. Denitsa has maintained a good relationship with new staff in Kingwood.  Denitsa is always kind.”  Milca Mugo, Support Manager

“She is so kind.” Eutycus Kanyingi, Support Worker

Volunteer Award – Ben Mills

“For many years, Ben has volunteered every week at our Henley allotment, maintaining the verges around our allotment, as well as helping out with wood working tasks, and making bird boxes.

Over the last few weeks, we have been at Whitebarn, cutting back the front hedges so drivers can exit the premises safely.  

Ben’s makes these tasks fun and enjoyable, showing what we can achieve together as a team.“  Owen Mayes, Support Worker

Support Worker Award – Dina Santos

“Dina is unfailingly calm, consistent, reliable and flexible in her approach. She is kind and respectful of Adele’s preferences and choices but, at the same time, ensures that the structure and daily routines that Adele needs are kept in place. Most of all, she has excellent communication skills – she listens carefully to Adele and also is brilliant at supporting Adele when she is unable to express herself verbally and may respond to situations through non-verbal responses. She also ensures that all support workers supporting Adele are kept updated, keeps parents informed via brief summaries each week and responds to any one-off communications from parents promptly. We are so fortunate to have her supporting Adele.” Judi Vincent

“In all the recent changes and challenges that we have faced in Reading, Dina has, in my opinion, really stepped up.  Dina consistently puts in the hours and takes on duties to help things run as smoothly as they can, she is almost always available and retains her sense of humour throughout!” Owen Mayes, Support Worker

Fundraiser Award – Ben Terry

On his ‘30 Laps for 30 Years’ sponsored cycle, Ben raised over £406.25!

Support Team Award – Windrush Team:

“Since opening in July 2020 the whole team has done outstanding work in creating a safe and happy home for the five residents. Whenever we visit, we are impressed by the warm atmosphere and the staff’s positive attitude to supporting the residents and encouraging them in their daily activities. 

Our daughter Lydia recently had a health scare resulting in an ambulance trip to the JR Hospital. Blood tests and a CAT scan were needed, and this meant a lengthy wait into the small hours of the following day. We were so grateful to the staff for supporting her so well as we were away and unable to help.“  Barbara & Graham Williams

“An incredibly solid, empathetic and strong team.” Lula Chapman

30th Anniversary Award – Saxons Team: Jess McClory, Ian McMillan, Sarah Williams, Abigail Amissah, Frank Newman, Esther Johnson 

“I have had the utmost pleasure of being part of a transition for a young man from secure services to Saxons Way. 

Throughout the whole process of this complex case, I have worked with, alongside and as part of the Saxons Way staff team and managers. This has been the best transition I have experienced in my 50 years in learning disabilities. 

At no point were the staff ever unable to accommodate requests from our service, keeping risk management at the forefront of everything and this alongside their incredibly kind and caring attitude towards the individual, always driving towards the best outcome for the person concerned, all of this whilst delivering the same standards to their current service users. 

Effective, efficient, kind, compassionate and dedicated to their work in providing what has been the best and hopefully successful transition I have been involved with. The personal touches, the welcome this young man received and the ongoing display of sheer hard work, determination and the end goal for success and happiness for individuals is second to none. 

Thank you to all those involved and who made this a life event to be proud of. You are all a wonderful group of people.”  Kate Brown, Forensic Community Learning Disability Nurse