Elmwood care assistant recognised for making a difference
A ShireLiving Housing and Care Assistant was recently nominated for a BBC Make a Difference award.
These national awards celebrate people who make a difference in the lives of others by going above and beyond in their activities.
Arnold Bunjo, who works at Elmwood Extra Care scheme in Stafford, was nominated for The Carer Award, given to someone who improves the life of an individual or group of people through their helpfulness, compassion and support.
Although he didn’t take the top prize, he did make it to the final four from hundreds of nominations and took home a very well deserved Highly Commended award.
Arnold previously spent 17 years working as a chef. Following the Covid 19 pandemic, he decided a career change was in order and chose to pursue a career in care. After completing his training, he joined Elmwood in 2022.
Arnold said:
“I was humbled to find out I was nominated, this is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle. Like I always tell the residents here: this is a family. I don’t come to work, I come to my second home."
"Everyone here makes it happen, we’re part of a team and we all work together. Without them all we wouldn’t be what we are today.”
Arnold invited some of his team to join him at the BBC Make a Difference award ceremony earlier this month at Port Vale Football Club.
Emma Affleck, Assistant Housing and Care Manager at Elmwood was one of them. She said:
“It was absolutely humbling to be in a room full of individuals and groups who have done such amazing things and achieved so much. Some of the stories left you a bit watery eyed, their strength and compassion - what an experience."
“Arnold was picked out of thousands of nominations to make the final four in the carers category, he didn't win but it's definitely not losing when you have got as far as he did. His Highly Commended award should take pride of place at home.”
Elmwood is a ShireLiving retirement scheme in Stafford, run by The Wrekin Housing Group. The complex is purpose built for people over the age of 55 with a host of facilities and onsite support designed to enhance independence. To find out more about life at Wrekin’s ShireLiving schemes – visit www.shireliving.co.uk
25th September 2024