Award Category: Most Outstanding Support Worker
Our Most Outstanding Support Worker Award recognises those whose innovative approach empowers a Participant to have choice and control to live their best life.
Finalist Details
Rochelle's approach is defined by her commitment to building deep, meaningful connections with her participants. She invests time to develop rapport and trust, thus understanding each participant's unique personality, challenges and strengths, creating a supportive environment that respects their autonomy. Her method emphasises gradual comfort zone expansion, particularly for those with overload or behavioural challenges. Support provision is approached collaboratively with participants to establish goals, ensuring their voices are heard and they feel empowered.
"Rochelle has been supporting Russell* for two years. His diagnosis leads to mistrust and confusion, making it difficult for him to connect. Rochelle's patience and dedication helped build trust over time, recognising that even small missteps could impact progress. Her life motto, ""be somebody to someone"", reflects her dedication. When Russell was hospitalised, she brought his favourite foods. His small smile and request for a follow-up visit demonstrated her positive impact."
*Not real name
