A UNIVERSITY of Worcester nurse has been recognised for the sacrifices made during the pandemic.
Abigail Brookes has received a special award from her employer, learning disability support provider Dimensions, for her work going above and beyond her duties to support people who use the service.
The current second year Adult Nursing student was among a handful of Dimensions staff who volunteered to live in with the people they support as Covid-19 spread rapidly in the spring of 2020.
At the time it was big a sacrifice as the Rainbow Hill resident, especially as she was unsure how long she would be living in.
“I am extremely honoured to have received this award,” she said.
“However, I know it wasn't without the help of my wonderful colleagues. We pulled each other through the difficult times.
“I volunteered myself to live at work because I understood it was an extremely unique circumstance, and I realised it was something not everyone would be able to do, mostly because of commitments outside of work.
“I volunteered most of all for the people I support, whom you work with closely and get to know. I wanted to make sure their anxieties were alleviated as much as possible.”
Dimensions Inspiring People Awards recognise the work of individuals or teams that has a positive impact on the people the organisation supports.
Before starting her studies Abigail was a full-time employee at Dimensions and now does occasional shifts, supporting adults with a range of learning difficulties.
As a support worker she supports helps people live independently in their own homes.
Abigail added: "We were all living in the same house, as the people we support all live together.
"It was obviously challenging. We were in a completely new experience and probably would have done it as many times as needed.
"We were also very grateful for the other staff for sending us food supplies and general messages of support during that time.”
Kirsty Wedgbury, senior lecturer in skills and simulation at the University’s Three Counties School of Nursing & Midwifery, said: “Abigail’s experience just demonstrates how our student nurses have been making a real difference to people’s lives during the pandemic.”
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