Real Heroes Winners 2024

A huge congratulations to the 2024 Real Heroes winners who were revealed and celebrated at the two ‘My Conferences’ in Dunfermline and Newcastle on 25th September and 2nd October. The quality of submissions across each category have been outstanding and it’s been truly amazing to hear about all the fantastic things happening across the group.

The Real Heroes Awards recognise and reward outstanding individuals across the organisation – both staff and the people we support. This year we wanted to hear about your Real Heroes commitment to our Real Life Options Values (Honesty, Respect, Responsibility and Excellence), as well as how they have enabled others to search and find employment, within a paid or voluntary capacity.

All nominations were both moving and empowering and each winner truly embodies the core Real Life Options values. Each winner has made a real difference and we are proud to work with so many inspirational individuals.

Winners were as followed:

Newcastle Conference:

• Jackie – People we Support Winner
  Jackie was praised by staff for stepping out of her comfort zone and making new friends.
• Richard – People we Support Winner
  Richard was nominated for his incredible arts and crafts which were displayed in an exhibition in Newcastle Cathedral, with plans for it to be sold to raise funds for the Cathedral.
• Matthew – People we Support Winner
  Matthew was praised by staff for his smooth transition to Bisley Drive where he settled in quickly.
• Maureen – People we Support Winner
  Maureen’s nomination was a result of her incredible advocacy work for herself and others.
• Leeds South Management Team – Staff Team or Service Winner
  Joanne and her team were commended for consistently delivering best practise, person centred support and delivering exceptional outcomes for people we support.
• Katie Murphy – Staff Winner
  Katie was praised for demonstrating Real Life Options values and always making sure the needs of people we support are met.

Dunfermline Conference:

• Peter – People we Support Winner
  Peter was praised for his kindness, as well as the various types of work he undertakes to help others which includes working in a woodwork shop, helping the janitor in the local community, and working with the Marine Conservation Society cleaning up the beach.
• Gary – People we Support Winner
  Gary was commended for the phenomenal progress he has made over the last year.
• Val Medcraf – Staff Winner
  Val was nominated for always going above and beyond, and always being there to support people we support, as well as staff.
• Hawick Outreach – Staff Team or Service Winner
  The Hawick Outreach team were praised for demonstrating the Real Life Options values at all times. The team encourage and support people we support to achieve their outcomes and always go the extra mile.
• Elgin – Staff Team or Service Winner
  The Elgin team were highly commended for being supportive and responsive to the people we support, enabling them to live their lives how they choose, supporting them to work towards and achieve their outcomes.
• Kenny Redmond – Volunteer Winner
  Kenny was applauded for supporting Peter with enriching activities including ten pin bowling, going out for lunch, and visits to Garden Centre. Nothing is too much for Kenny, and Peter, and the whole team really appreciate his support!
• Alisha Campbell – Staff Winner
  Alisha was complemented for always going above and beyond expectations in her role and demonstrating empathy, patience and delivering excellent support.

Congratulations to all our Real Heroes winners! Keep up the exceptional work.