After its carers went above and beyond the call of duty to help the vulnerable, Walnut Care, one of Lincolnshire’s lead providers of home care, has received a commendation from Lincolnshire’s Resilience Forum. 

The domiciliary care company, which provides adult home care across the county, picked up two commendations at an award ceremony this month held for Lincolnshire’s snow heroes.

The company received its commendation in the non-emergency group category. One of its senior carers, Pauline Wood, was also individually commended after being nominated by her service users in Winthorpe and Ingoldmells.

The ceremony, held on Thursday 17^th May at Hemswell Court near Market Rasen, was to officially recognise individuals and organisations in Lincolnshire who went the extra mile during the treacherous weather conditions in March.

Melanie Weatherley, CEO of Walnut Care, said: “All our 200 carers across the county went above and beyond the call of duty. This included walking through sub-zero temperatures to reach their service users, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable.

“We’re incredibly proud of all of them. They are the backbone of our organisation and they make a difference to someone’s life every single day. I know how hard they all worked during the Beast from the East, so for them all to be officially recognised was very pleasing.

”The event was truly celebratory. There were no losers. Huge congratulations must go to all the snow heroes!”

Pauline Wood, one of Walnut Care’s senior carers in Winthorpe and Ingoldmells, walked over four miles through blizzards to reach those in need.

Pauline said: “It’s a real honour to receive this commendation. It’s even more special to know that I was nominated by many of the people I care for. Many of them are reliant on me coming to help them, which is even more true during cold weather.

“Their needs are greater than mine, so I didn’t think twice about walking to them. It’s given us all a boost. I’d like to thank the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum for a wonderful evening.”

Over ten of Walnut Care’s home carers also received a letter of personal thanks from the Chief Constable of Lincolnshire Police, after being nominated but not shortlisted for the awards.

The ceremony was hosted by the Lincolnshire Resilience Forum, a multi-agency group that works together in the event of emergency situations.

There were six separate award categories. All winners and runners up can be found here: https://www.lincs.police.uk/news-campaigns/news/2018/lincolnshire-snow-heroes-recognised-at-awards-night/