A DAWLISH carer has been named care worker of the year at the South West regional finals of the Great British Care Awards.

The awards recognise the excellent work of care providers and individual carers within the care industry. There are ten regional awards, culminating in a national award early next year.

George Silimon is a team leader at Sefton Hall care home in Dawlish, which is part of the Southern Healthcare care group.

George joked: "My recollection of the award ceremony is a bit blurry. They announced the winner and then I realised I was on the stage!"

He continued: "I am proud to have won, but it's an achievement for the whole company and not just for me. The environment we work in is very important, and the continued opportunities for training make it possible for the team to do a great job."

George has worked in care for more than ten years, starting his journey as a carer from Romania. He quickly became team leader, 'demonstrating exceptional qualities in leading the team and supporting residents'.

Sefton Hall manager, Gabriela Ogreanu added: "George deserved to win this award. He is an inspiration to the team and a great team leader. The room comes alive when he enters, and residents smile in his presence."

Gabriela praised George's ability to communicate naturally with residents and support them in an individualised way. She also said he has 'a deep understanding of care planning and the importance of focusing on residents' abilities rather than their limitations.

She continued: "George is an essential part of the activity and wellbeing programme, supporting residents with weekly pub lunches, train trips, walks by the sea, or strolls into town for cake and coffee. None of these activities are required of him, but he does them because he understands the importance of people being out and connecting with others."