SIX SALFORD CARE WORKERS AWARDED FOR A COMBINED 165 YEARS OF SERVICE

Carol Torkington, Ann Anderson, Sue Herbert, Margaret Gormley and Liane Freebody-Smith, who all have 25 years each under their belt in care work and 40 years for Marie Dunne - were given long service awards by their employer – Salford care provider – Aspire.

Marie, who has been doing the same job in supported accommodation since she was 18, said: "I am honoured to have been given this award. I love what I do. I get great reward out of giving people a better quality of life. Salford is a caring city."

The annual Aspire staff awards also saw accolades for dozens of other staff from best team to going above and beyond.

Aspire, which has its headquarters at Humphrey Booth Resource Centre in Swinton, is an accredited Living Wage employer, and has a total of 290 employees that provide person centred support services to people in Salford. They support adults and young people with complex needs, learning disabilities, physical disabilities, older people and people living with dementia.

Chief executive of Aspire, Janet Tuohy, said:

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"I am proud of each and every one of my colleagues for the care and dedication they give to the most vulnerable people in the city. The people who work at Aspire are our best asset – providing a range of services in the community to enabling individuals to fulfil their aspirations and live full independent lives.

"The job can be incredibly tough - and the long service of these six incredible colleagues is amazing - they have all made real differences to so many people's lives and it is very much appreciated by their families and by us."

City Mayor Paul Dennett attended the awards and praised Aspire for their commitment and dedication to caring for the people of Salford.

He added:

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"Care workers and social care is totally undervalued - and at a time when budgets are being cut and there is not enough investment in the sector - the work Aspire does is invaluable.

"Aspire provides a fantastic service to the people of this city. I would like to thank the team on behalf of the city for what you do from the bottom of my heart."

Aspire has recently been given an accolade from the Living Wage Foundation for its commitment to its workforce. The “Beyond the Living Wage Champion Award” was given to them in recognition of the organisation’s leadership role in tackling in-work poverty and improving the well-being of employees, going above and beyond the Living Wage rate.