Parklands employees in running for national caring awards
A young care worker with talents “beyond her years”, who is following in her mother’s footsteps, has been shortlisted for a national award.
Emily Christie, who works at Wakefield House in Cullen, is one of three Moray carers within Parklands Care Homes to be in the running.
Along with Emily, Amanda Shaw and Moya Boonzaaier from Speyside Care Home in Aberlour have also been nominated for the Stars of Social Care Awards.
Emily has been nominated for the Inspirational Care Home Worker Award.
Having started caring for her father at a young age, the experience inspired her to become a professional carer.
Now just 20, she has become a role model to colleagues and supports new recruits through Parklands’ mentoring programme.
Leanne Stephen, who manages Wakefield House, and is also Emily’s mum, said: “Emily stands out because she is an exceptional carer.
“Too often, young people in care are overlooked, but Emily’s life experience has shaped her into an inspiring, dedicated professional.
“Her compassion, maturity and personal understanding of what good care means are beyond her years.”
At Speyside Care Home in Aberlour, activities coordinators Amanda Shaw and Moya Boonzaaier have been shortlisted for the Amazing Activities Co-ordinator Award.
Their work has brought music, creativity and community spirit to the home – from hosting holiday playgroups and pop-up tearooms to running Speyside’s Heart Strings Choir, which has toured local care homes and featured on national radio.
Speyside manager Louise Gillies, who nominated Amanda Shaw and Moya Boonzaaier, said: “Amanda and Moya bring energy, creativity and genuine warmth to Speyside.
“They’ve built strong community links and created a joyful, engaging environment for residents.
“From summer tearooms to our Heart Strings Choir, they make every day meaningful.”
Parklands itself is also shortlisted for two awards – the Outstanding Care Home Provider Award, reflecting Parklands’ commitment to high care standards and continued investment, and The Great Marketeer award, recognising Parklands’ strong community engagement and communications.
Colleagues from Fortrose have also been shortlisted for two Stars of Social Care awards.
The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in London next month.
These latest nominations follow Parklands’ earlier shortlisting for four other national awards, recognising its excellence in care and continued investment across the north of Scotland.
The group is a finalist in the HealthInvestor Awards for Residential Elderly Care Provider of the Year and has three nominations at the upcoming Care Home Awards - Best for Wellbeing, Best for Marketing, Advertising or PR Activities and Outstanding Smaller Care Home Group.
Ron Taylor, Managing Director of Parklands Care Homes, said: “These nominations reflect the incredible commitment and creativity of our team in Moray and beyond.
“Whether it’s Emily’s compassion and leadership, or the energy and imagination Amanda and Moya bring to daily life at Speyside, their impact is felt across our homes and communities.”
