Stay-at-home mum scores award nomination after returning to care career

A former stay-at-home mum has been nominated for the prestigious Great British Care Awards after going back to work as a carer at a Reading home.

Hayley Emery, who is in the running for the 'Care Newcomer Award,' is one of three staff to be nominated from the luxury Shinfield View home on the outskirts of the Berkshire city.

"Being nominated for an award is truly amazing," Emery said, calling the decision to come back to care after taking time out to raise her children "the best decision I have made".

Emery has worked her way up to become an acting senior carer since starting at Shinfield View, which is owned by Berkley Care Group, operator of multiple luxury care homes across the south and Midlands of England.

Her colleague, Shinfield View's senior lead carer Megan Tuggey commended Emery, saying she has been a "pleasure" to work alongside and an "exceptional" carer "who goes above and beyond every day for our residents to ensure the best care is being given day in, day out".

Emery herself added that: "Shinfield View is one big happy family and such a happy place to work.

"Starting back as a carer and working my way up to being in a senior position has been my biggest achievement. I love what I do, caring for my residents, and my team is so rewarding."

The winners in Emery's category of the Great British Care Awards – the South East region – will be announced tomorrow (18^th) at the Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel.

Her colleague Emma Cook is in the running for the 'Ancillary Worker of the Year' award, while Laura McSoley is up for the 'Care Home Organiser' award.

Shinfield View's general manager Jodie Whatmore and deputy manager Nicola Orwin told Comment Central they are "bursting with pride that our staff are being recognised for the special contribution they make to our residents' lives and our lovely home.

"They all work so hard and embody our values with a healthy balance of empathy, compassion, fun and laughter.

"To be shortlisted is fabulous and now we have everything crossed for some wins on the night!"