Cornerstone’s Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire branches celebrate national STAR winners
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Leading social care charity Cornerstone recently held their STAR Awards to celebrate the significant achievements of colleagues and the amazing people they support across the country, including North Aberdeen and Shire and South Aberdeen and Shire.
Six colleagues from Cornerstone’s North Aberdeen and Shire branch and five colleagues from Cornerstone’s South Aberdeen and Shire branch were presented with either their ten, twenty or twenty-five year long service awards, representing a cumulative 145 years of loyal service to Cornerstone.
One of the charity’s Modern Apprenticeship Class of 2022 graduates from North Aberdeen and Shire, Ashley Lawson, was also recognised for achieving their Modern Apprenticeship qualification.
Cornerstone’s Colleague Of The Year award was presented to Maxine Thomson who is a Support Practitioner in Stonehaven.
Sharing, Maxine’s nominator said: “Maxine is a Support Practitioner in Crudenlea who always works tirelessly to give the people she supports an amazing life.
"During various lockdowns and restrictions during the covid pandemic Maxine always went above and beyond for the people we support – responsible for organising parties and activities.
"These included creating a 'National Days' calendar to ensure there was a different themed activity for every day to give the people we support a fun and educational experience.
"Maxine also hosts decade parties where everyone dresses up and enjoys food, music and activities from the chosen decade.
"Her nature is caring and compassionate and she excels in finding the right way to help support individuals, offering a truly person-centred approach to their care.”
In addition, three very special Mary Williamson Award were presented to the people Cornerstone support in Aberdeen and Shire.
The Mary Williamson Awards were founded in memory of the late Mary Williamson, who was supported by Cornerstone for over 23 years and left a generous legacy to the charity.
She was much loved; she enjoyed dressing up, holidays and parties.
The awards pay tribute to her zest for life and are designed to recognise the personal goals and achievements of the people Cornerstone support.
These goals include:
- personal health challenges or fitness goals
- fundraising activities
- training courses or employment opportunities
- new crafts, hobbies or activities
- facing fears
- building friendships
The Aberdeen and Shire Mary Williamson Awards for 2022 were awarded to Laura Hamilton (North Aberdeen and Shire) and Tamara Batten (South Aberdeen and Shire – City of Aberdeen), with Vanessa Finch (South Aberdeen and Shire - Kincorth) runner up.
Laura’s nominator said: “Over the last year Laura has worked really hard to improve a close personal relationship.
"They have managed to share special events like birthdays and jumping on the bouncy castle together.
"Recently a trampoline was installed in the garden which they have been able to enjoy together. This has really improved their family time and has meant the world to everyone!”
Chief executive of Cornerstone Hazel Brown said: “Huge congratulations go to all our award winners, runners up and those awarded highly commended.
"What a wonderful celebration!
"It was great to be able to gather everyone together again and celebrate the great work that Cornerstone does across the country, providing vital care and support to people with learning disabilities, autism and complex care needs and helping them to live their best possible lives!
"Many thanks too to our sponsor CNR International for their very generous donation and to chief executive Barry Duncan for presenting our Fundraiser Of The Year award”.
Other national awards were also made to:
Team of the Year - Ally Williamson Team at Baxter View in Dumbarton.
Fundraiser Of The Year - Beth McPhee from Lanarkshire.
