Sophie Conlon and Jonathan Salmon
Sophie Conlon and Jon Salmon are therapeutic foster carers who specialise in helping teenagers who have been living in care homes settle back into a family home.
On one occasion they fostered a teenager and then the young person’s sibling moved in with them too so that they could live together.
The couple, from Blythe Bridge, have been foster carers for four years and also have three birth children.
They’ve been nominated as Carers of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
She said: “Sophie and Jon care for young people who step down from residential care so that teenagers get to live within a loving family into adulthood. Sophie and Jon are very passionate about helping these young people to succeed.
“They started out with one young teenager then at a later date they started to care for the young person’s sibling so that they could live together. Sophie and Jon also have birth children of their own.
“Sophie and Jon have encouraged the young people to progress and always give them encouragement and they have taught them many life skills ready for when they go into adulthood. They always care in a therapeutic way and guide the young person by example.
“They are so committed to being therapeutic foster carers that alongside long-term fostering they also look after young people for respite. They never say no if they have the space. They are an amazing, inspirational couple.”
Jon said: “We pride ourselves on giving the kids an opportunity. We give them something to look forward to. One of the young people who came to us had been in a gang and was at risk of county lines. Now he’s looking forward to going to college. It’s just amazing to see and we’re so proud of him.”
Tracy and Nigel Hobbs
Foster carers Tracy and Nigel Hobbs welcome newborn babies into their home including a premature baby weighing just 6lb at the age of seven weeks who was released from hospital into their care.
The Fenton couple spent a full week in hospital being a loving, round-the-clock presence for a different premature baby receiving medical care.
They have been foster carers for more than seven years and currently have a 12-month-old in their care.
Tracy says she has always wanted to become a foster carer as her own mum was a foster carer. Nigel combines his caring role with a full-time job in the police force.
Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment Officer with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has nominated Tracy and Nigel as Carers of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards.
She said: “They have cared for and welcomed a number of very small children into their homes, lives and hearts – babies from newborn. Both are very passionate about fostering.
“The couple have successfully moved a number of children back to family and onto adoption. They always work well with the fostering service and families.
“Tracy is the main carer as Nigel works full-time for the police force however he very much a hands-on foster carer and offers Tracy a lot of support.
“Both engage well and assist fostering at recruitment events and assist in delivering training as and when they can as they are very passionate about fostering and want to encourage others to become foster carers.
“Nigel and Tracy are very aware of achieving the best outcome for the children in their care. They are very child-focused and work hard in order to ensure the children in their care achieve their full potential.”
Tracy said: “When I was growing up I always wanted to be a foster carer as my mum was a foster carer. We started fostering when our children were older and didn’t need us as much.
“It’s just a joy to see them come on, to see them growing and developing.”
Jan and Pete Herbert
Jan and Pete Herbert’s youngest daughter may have just gone off to university but their home will be far from quiet as they’re currently fostering twin babies.
The Newcastle-under-Lyme couple have fostered 35 children over the past 11 years, ranging in age from birth to six years.
They have continued to foster despite Pete facing a serious health condition and have even recruited some of their friends to become foster carers too.
Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment Officer with Stoke-on-Trent City Council, has nominated Jan and Pete in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards.
She said: “On many occasions Jan and Pete have had two or three foster children living with them at one time. Even during difficult times with Pete’s health they have never given up. They could have made the decision to take a rest but both felt they were able to continue with their fostering, which they have continued to do.
“Jan and Pete always put the welfare of the children in their care first. They make sure all their goals are being met and always encourage education alongside play. They always go the extra mile to help any child they can.
“They have done this role alongside raising children. Jan and Pete have always made sure they’ve found time for their own children and encouraged them to be successful.”
Jan said: “Fostering is very rewarding. It’s the best job in the world. The difference you see between when they first arrive and when they move on is sometimes absolutely amazing. You don’t always notice those changes until you look back to how they were when they first came.”
She added: “It feels very special to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award. We are honoured.”
Teresa Gotham
“You saved my life when I came to live with you” – foster carer Teresa Gotham received that powerful message from a young person who shared her home.
Now living independently, the teenager still visits Teresa, goes on holidays with her and credits Teresa with showing her the sort of life she wanted to lead.
Teresa, from Leek, has been a foster carer for around five years and began fostering with Stoke-on-Trent City Council in January because one of the children in her care is from the city.
The 56-year-old, who has two grown-up birth children and two grandchildren, has fostered five children including teenagers. She currently has a four-month-old baby and an eight-year-old sharing her home.
She has been nominated as a Carer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by Marie Plant, Fostering Recruitment Officer at Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
Marie said: “Teresa is a get up and go person. She cares for older children which is not always easy. We struggle to find long-term, loving family homes for children as they are getting a little older but Teresa steps up as a single carer and takes these children into her home.
“At times it can be a real struggle as the young person is finding their feet but Teresa never gives up on the child. She just keeps offering love and stability until they learn to trust her and know she is not going to push them away.
“Teresa is also a great advocate for Stoke Fostering and assists at support groups, training and recruitment. She is always positive about fostering and encourages others to become foster carers. If she can find the time she always steps up and is a great support for others.”
Teresa said: “I’m a bit shocked to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award really. I don’t feel like I deserve it but I’m honoured.
“I think every foster carer does a really difficult job and every foster carer deserves recognition for what they do.”
She added: “I find fostering extremely rewarding. I can see the difference that I make to the children. Also, I’m on my own and this gives me a purpose.
“When you have foster children living with you it means you can make a significant and positive impact on them. I’m quite an adventurous person - I love going camping and on holidays – and I’m able to share those experiences. I have lots of love and adventures to share.
“I stay in touch with one of the older young people that I fostered and she still comes camping sometimes. She said to me that I saved her life at the time she came to stay with me and that I gave her an experience of a life she could aspire to.”
Kath Mullock
Kath Mullock has been called ‘a true Stoke-on-Trent carer hero’ by one of her home care clients.
The 62-year-old, from Northwood, set up Kath Mullock Home Care in 2010 and now leads a team of 20 carers working across Stoke-on-Trent.
Her Smallthorne-based team offers a wide range of support including palliative care, dementia care, companionship and more.
Kath said: “I don’t want to hide behind what we do. With my name on the door, I hold myself accountable for everything.”
One staff member, Sade, said: “I never knew the value of home care until I became a carer myself. Kath goes above and beyond for all her clients, no matter what their needs.
“To her clients she’s a friend, a family member, a voice and often someone who just listens. Kath is a hero with an invisible cape.”
The sentiment is echoed by Rachel, one of Kath’s clients, who said: “I know I speak for all of Kath’s clients when I say she is an amazing lady. Although she doesn’t think what she does is extraordinary, we all do.”
Other clients, Derek and Margaret, added: “Kath shows love and kindness to everyone. We thank her for coming into our lives.”
Client Sarah, who has nominated Kath as a Carer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards, said: “I see the daily work of Kath and her staff and I know our city has angels. Although she owns the business Kath is a hands-on practitioner leading her team by example.
“Her commitment isn’t measured in hours, days or money but in the countless unassigned periods she gives freely. Without exception her staff respect and adopt the inclusive practices known as ‘Kath’s Way’. All of this is a testament to a true Stoke-on-Trent carer hero.”
Kath added: “I’m shocked, really. I haven’t changed who I am and I don’t do this for recognition. It’s lovely and unexpected. It’s so easy to come in each day because I treat the clients like family and the team with respect. We all love helping people. That’s what it’s all about really.”
Neelam Shahzadi
Working 24-hour shifts, working on her days off and buying small gifts from her own pocket were just some of the ways Neelam Shahzadi showed her dedication to a woman she cared for at the end of her life.
The 35-year-old, from Hanley, has been a support care worker with Abimatic Care Ltd for around two years. One of her recent clients was the aunt of the actress and Your Heroes Awards judge Rachel Shenton.
As a long-standing Your Heroes judge, Rachel has encountered many stories of caring, selfless individuals who put other people before themselves but Neelam’s dedication stood out. Rachel has nominated Neelam as a Carer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards.
Rachel said: “Anyone that knows about motor neurone disease will know what an utterly cruel disease it is. It robs a person of everything including their dignity in the end. My aunty was only 64, she was diagnosed last June. In the end she was totally mute, fed via a feeding tube and unable to walk.
“Neelam Shahzadi worked for a company called Abimatic Care Ltd, sourced through the NHS. All of the careers at Abimatic were brilliant but Neelam was extra special.
“The dedication and care given to my aunt in her final months is something we will never forget.
“To give some examples, Neelam would sometimes work 24 hour shifts just because my aunty felt more reassured when she was there. She has been known to come in on her days off because my aunty was distressed and the other nurses couldn’t soothe her.
“She spent money from her own pocket to buy things my aunt might like. She gave her head massages, sat for hours watching films and making her laugh. She did all this and had a husband and two little children at home herself. She is a true hero.”
Neelam, a mum-of-two, said she loves to care for people and feels very loyal about her work and the people she cares for.
“I’m feeling very proud that somebody appreciated me for the work that I do. I feel very honoured,” she said.
“I tried my best to make this lady comfortable at the end of her life. Every service user is important and we need to do whatever we can for them.”
Kirsty Smith
Care home worker Kirsty Smith has been in her current job for less than a year but has already made a mark on her colleagues and residents alike.
The 37-year-old works for Woodview Care Home, in Bradwell, where she’s a carer.
The mum-of-four, also from Bradwell, had been out of the workplace for more than three years before taking on her current role.
“Seeing smiles on people’s faces is why I come into work each day. It’s easy to go the extra mile for our residents because the team who are alongside me are the best team I could ask for,” she said.
“I want to make our residents feel safe, wanted and cared for, exactly how I would like to be treated in later life. By setting an example, the residents have the best experience and positivity breeds positivity.”
Nominating Kirsty in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards, friend and colleague Rebekka Copland said: “Kirsty works so hard and is a great team player, an asset to the team. Nothing is too much trouble, and she brings great humour and positivity.
“Kirsty is great with the residents and families. I think she deserves to be recognised for her team spirit and hard work.”
Kirsty said: “Wow! I really wasn’t expecting this. It’s wonderful to be recognised for the work that I do and I feel honoured to be nominated.”
“I love being a part of this team, I’m lucky to have the colleagues that we have and I love that as a team we are helping others. It’s easy to come into work each day when you have such wonderful people to work alongside.”
Sharon Cooke
Sharon Cooke refers to herself as ‘a good scrubber’ but she is so much more to residents at the care home where she works as a domestic assistant.
From chatting to residents while she cleans their rooms or arranges their flowers to learning residents’ individual routines so that they build up trust in her, the 53-year-old has become known as a warm and relatable presence during her 17 years at Woodview Nursing Home in Bradwell.
Sharon has been nominated as a Carer of the Year in the Your Heroes Awards by her colleague and daughter, Danielle Valentino, who works at a sister care home.
Danielle said: “She is the most beautiful person inside and out and will be floored by this nomination alone. She always has a warm presence to her and is so relatable which makes it easy for anyone to approach her.
“She has excellent cleaning skills – she calls herself a good scrubber – but she is so much more than that to others. She is someone they can talk to when cleaning their rooms and arranging their flowers or ensuring their amenities are in reach.
“She makes sure she gets to know their individual routines. This really does comfort those she cares for and builds professional trust. She also spends time talking to the residents and their relatives where her warm personality is what makes you feel you are home from home.
“She is always smiling and laughing, seeing the bright side of any situation which is a great trait to have.
“Sharon is also my mum so I’m biased but she’s more than a mum she is an incredible role model. I love working in the sister home to my mum and witnessing her kindness and compassionate manner. She inspires myself and others to continue to be just like her.”
Sharon, from Ball Green, said she was shocked to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award.
She said: “It’s much appreciated. I just love what I do. I love being around the people. I’ve met some really lovely people over the years.”
Jennifer Whitehurst
Care home worker Jennifer Whitehurst goes above and beyond to make sure the residents and colleagues she works with are treated exceptionally.
The 29-year-old, from Tunstall, is a Care Home Assistant Practitioner (CHAP) at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home in Bradwell.
Starting her career in care eight years ago, she has worked hard to get to her current position. She’s been a CHAP at the care home for more than two years.
She said: “I love being able to make people happy. That’s why I feel I’m in the right place to do that. It’s so easy coming into work each day when you know you’re making a real impact on the residents and families to make them happy.”
Nominating Jennifer in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards, colleague and friend Tesse Duggan said: “I would like to nominate Jen because she shows so much sensitivity and understanding and she has a huge desire to help the residents, staff and visitors. She always demonstrates exceptional support for others.
“I also wanted to nominate her because she doesn’t just work in a set place. She works all around the home and different wings but she still makes the residents and families feel like she’s been there forever because she’s so welcoming and kind and she always goes above and beyond with a big smile on her face.”
Jennifer said: “I’m totally shocked. I really love my job and it’s extra special to be nominated by a peer. I don’t do this for the recognition. I do what I do to put smiles on faces.”
Samantha Dean
Care home worker Samantha Dean goes above and beyond for her residents, even in the face of personal adversity.
The 33-year-old, from Chell, is a Care Home Assistant Practitioner at Woodview Care Home in Bradwell.
She has been recognised by her peers as someone who brings positivity to the home and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure the people she helps are happy.
She has faced personal difficulties which could have easily affected her work. Her mother had cancer and her mother-in-law sadly passed away.
In the face of problems outside work Samantha felt that her responsibilities at the care home should stay the same.
She said: “Just because the residents are in care doesn’t mean they can’t still live. When my grandfather was in a home he was treated exceptionally and I always said if I ever worked for a care home I would strive to give that level of service.”
Vanessa Johnson, a colleague who has nominated Samantha in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards, said: “She is our hero anyway, but I would love everyone to know what a hero she truly is. She deserves to be recognized for all the work she does with such a caring and compassionate nature, in and outside of work. You’re our hero Sam.”
Samantha said: “I’m honoured, taken back and a little bit tearful to be nominated for a Your Heroes Award. I don’t do any of this to get recognition.
“I love to come into work each day and be able to put a smile on our residents’ faces. When you love what you do, it never really feels like work.”
Danielle Valentino
Danielle Valentino keeps spirits high at the nursing home where she works with people with complex needs.
The 31-year-old is a senior care home assistant practitioner at Bradwell Hall Nursing Home in Bradwell, Newcastle-under-Lyme, where she has worked for more than 14 years.
She began her career as a carer, became a senior carer then care home assistant practitioner and is now in the first year of a degree apprenticeship at Staffordshire University to become a Nurse Associate.
Danielle has been nominated in the Carer of the Year category of the Your Heroes Awards by work colleague Marianne Whittaker.
Marianne said: “Danielle has years of experience and is a well-loved member of staff by our residents. She has a real passion for caring for others. She is a naturally caring and kind person.
“She loves a challenge. She thrives in her environment and is constantly trying new things and challenging herself. She is very bubbly and outgoing.
“She spends a lot of time with our wonderful residents, ensuring their daily care needs are met. She gets involved with activities around the home, keeps their spirits high and makes all the difference to their day.”
Danielle said: “I just love what I do. I actually feel in a way that although I’m helping people I’m the one that’s receiving something.
“I wasn’t expecting to be nominated for an award so it’s overwhelming and lovely. It’s the fact that someone thinks enough about you to nominate you.”