Sheffield charity worker receives special recognition award for going above and beyond.

A dedicated member of staff at one of Sheffield’s leading older persons’ charities has received an award for his kindness, compassion and commitment to supporting older, vulnerable people in Sheffield.

Gavin Furness, who works in the Hospital to Home team at Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC), showed initiative and kind-heartedness when faced with a series of challenges in the space of a few days.

His help included carrying equipment for a service user when a delivery van broke down and responding to a water leak in a service user’s home.

He also supported 86-year-old Kathleen who was distraught when a care package delay meant a trip had to be cancelled, and accompanied a colleague to A&E when they fell ill.

Mark Storey, CEO at SCCCC, said: “Gavin has worked for SCCCC for more than eight years, supporting isolated older people whilst in hospital, on discharge and in their own homes. He has always done this with care and dedication.

“But on one particular week, he dealt with a number of additional issues outside what he daily duties involve. When hearing about the lengths Gavin went to in supporting both older people and his colleagues, I wanted to show him that his commitment was appreciated and rewarded him with a special recognition certificate, a bottle of wine and an extra day’s annual leave.

“We firmly believe that staff should be recognised and rewarded when they go above and beyond. Gavin’s actions clearly reflect the values of SCCCC being committed, credible, caring and compassionate. We are proud to have such dedicated staff supporting older, isolated older people in Sheffield.’’

Gavin said: ‘’I am proud to work alongside such amazing colleagues and volunteers and look forward to coming to work every day. I hope I will continue to work at SCCCC for years to come and help many more isolated, older people’’.

A dedicated member of staff at one of Sheffield’s leading older persons’ charities has received an award for his kindness, compassion and commitment to supporting older, vulnerable people in Sheffield.

Gavin Furness, who works in the Hospital to Home team at Sheffield Churches Council for Community Care (SCCCC), showed initiative and kind-heartedness when faced with a series of challenges in the space of a few days.

His help included carrying equipment for a service user when a delivery van broke down and responding to a water leak in a service user’s home.

He also supported 86-year-old Kathleen who was distraught when a care package delay meant a trip had to be cancelled, and accompanied a colleague to A&E when they fell ill.

Mark Storey, CEO at SCCCC, said: “Gavin has worked for SCCCC for more than eight years, supporting isolated older people whilst in hospital, on discharge and in their own homes. He has always done this with care and dedication.

“But on one particular week, he dealt with a number of additional issues outside what he daily duties involve. When hearing about the lengths Gavin went to in supporting both older people and his colleagues, I wanted to show him that his commitment was appreciated and rewarded him with a special recognition certificate, a bottle of wine and an extra day’s annual leave.

“We firmly believe that staff should be recognised and rewarded when they go above and beyond. Gavin’s actions clearly reflect the values of SCCCC being committed, credible, caring and compassionate. We are proud to have such dedicated staff supporting older, isolated older people in Sheffield.’’

Gavin said: ‘’I am proud to work alongside such amazing colleagues and volunteers and look forward to coming to work every day. I hope I will continue to work at SCCCC for years to come and help many more isolated, older people’’.