Celebrating our mirus stars awards FINALISTS!

Meet our mirus stars awards finalists.

A panel of judges had the difficult task of selecting 40 semi-finalists from an amazing 192 powerful nominations.

At our mirus stars pre-awards party events in Cardiff and Swansea our audience members voted for the people they thought most deserved to go through to the next round as finalists.

Our 20 amazing finalists each had incredible reasons for being nominated that reflect our mirus values which are; Together, Respectful, Responsible, Empowering and Courageous.

These incredible people will now go forward to our mirus stars awards ceremony, which will be held in October.

View our event photos on our Facebook page at this link.

TOGETHER

Beth Broad – person supported by mirus, Brecon

Beth volunteers for a number of organisations that bring people together. She organises and leads walks for People First, volunteers at a whole food shop where she cooks and serves customers and volunteers in a charity shop. After gaining a qualification certificate, Beth also leads a Nordic walk once a week with Age Concern.

Payroll Team – mirus staff team, Central Services

The team work incredibly hard together. They’ve been using a new payroll system which has been challenging, but they’ve all gone above and beyond to make sure that staff were paid on time. The team worked long hours, including evenings and weekends because they really care about mirus staff.

Hanan Thomas – mirus staff member, Swansea

Hanan is incredible at connecting people together. She has worked with the people we support to identify things they would like to do and find others with similar interests and bring them together. She has arranged a Macmillan Coffee Morning, a dog day, a talent show and a food festival for people in Swansea. Her positive energy and enthusiasm makes everyone feel great, and she’s really brought people together with the local community.

Gary Lewis – person supported by mirus, Swansea

When Nigel moved in to the house Gary was there to welcome him to the home, support him to settle in and teach him lots of new skills. Nigel had never lived on his own before, so Gary took him under his wing to teach him all the daily living skills he would need. Nigel’s independence has increased, and he can complete daily tasks such as using the washing machine and tumble drier without support thanks to Gary’s teaching.

RESPECTFUL

Cherie Hendy – mirus staff member, Swansea

Cherie supported me during my transition by teaching me about make up techniques, clothing, and hair styles. She has made me feel more confident in myself and comfortable with my transition. She has helped me to look more womanly, and this has made me feel more comfortable in my body and has grown my confidence.

Allan Ramsahoi – mirus staff member, Cardiff

Allan accompanied a person supported to hospital when they were admitted suddenly. He provided emotional support to the person, and ensured that their favourite music was playing to help keep them calm. Allan helped the person to communicate with hospital staff, which relieved the person’s anxiety. Allan remained calm, despite an emotional situation, and made sure the person’s end of life and passing was peaceful.

Gaynor Roberts – mirus staff member, Swansea

Gaynor has supported family, staff and people supported through the loss of a much cared for person supported. People have told us that Gaynor and her team have gone above and beyond to support the person who passed away. As a manager, she always has time to listen to staff and the people she supports. She takes on board everyone’s opinions and suggestions, and always offers guidance on the best way to approach any situation. We feel listened to.

Lauren Lewis – mirus staff member, Cardiff

Lauren has been very supportive to a staff member who had a breast cancer scare. Lauren ensured that the staff member could focus on her health, without worrying about work. She listened to the staff member, and directed her to other organisations that could offer advice and support to her and her family. The support that Lauren gave the staff member at such a hard time had a massive positive impact. She is amazing.

RESPONSIBLE

Shaun Smith – mirus staff member, Cardiff

Shaun is part of the ‘access’ pilot group who are learning the new IT system first. Shaun is really positive, calm, professional and a sunshiny person and has helped everyone feel confident in their skills. He’s patient and understanding while he coaches other staff to use the system. Shaun has been in a video telling people about his experiences with the new system, and he has inspired us all and made us excited about using it.

Kevin Parkhouse – mirus staff member, NPT

Kevin works hard to plan events and connect people we support with their community. He set up a fun day and contacted the local authority, other care and support providers and local organisations to get involved. The local authority have commended Kevin for his efforts to get the community together. The people we support were able to do something fun, meet new friends and find opportunities to attend new activities in the community.

Sophie Scheeres – person supported by mirus, Cardiff

Sophie is always happy to get involved with promoting mirus. During the past few years she has been part of numerous videos and photo sessions about a wide range of topics. She’s got great opinions, and is open and honest with sharing them. Sophie has helped us to promote the work of mirus, and the benefits of a career supporting people. She did a great video for us for our Cardiff tender, and has been part of lots of interviewing panels.

Katherine Jemmer – person supported by mirus, Swansea

Kate has been working hard to regain the confidence that she lost after a fall. This year she has pushed herself to visit new places, and do things that she previously would have not felt able to. Despite her mobility issues, Kate posed for a photo in the Giant Bauble, which was difficult for her to walk on as it was on an uneven surface. She did great! Kate now has the confidence to go out in the community and explore different places, we’re so proud!

EMPOWERING

Bernard Meney – mirus staff member, Cardiff

A person decided that support from mirus was no longer right for them, so Bernard supported them to find alternatives. While the person waited to move house Bernard worked with the person and their Social Worker to ensure that the move was as smooth and as positive as possible. Bernard also supported the person to make decisions about what possessions he would like to keep. Bernard made the moving experience less stressful.

Rhodri Jenkins – person supported by mirus, Bridgend

Rhodri has epilepsy, and has previously been reluctant to try new things – however since discovering the group ‘Men Shed’ he now uses electrical tools and has a new found confidence in his skills and abilities. Rhodri has been involved in making raised flower beds, which are being distributed to people in his local community. The money raised through these projects goes back to fund even more projects in the community.

Pauline Prosser – mirus staff member, Brecon

Pauline is a very good listener, she is loyal, and she is very supportive. She has given me confidence and encouragement and helps me to achieve my goals. She listens to and understands me when I speak to her, and when I have ideas she supports me to achieve them. She supports me on trips, including to London. I always look forward to trips with her because we meet new people and we have great fun and laugh a lot.

Andreya Romanga – person supported by mirus, Swansea

When Kirsty moved away from her parents to live with mirus support, Andreya took her under her wing and ensured the change was positive. Andreya reassured Kirsty and helped her to settle in – as a result Kirsty’s move was quicker than planned. Kirsty’s new adventure away from Mum has been a success thanks to Andreya empowering Kirsty to believe in herself. Andreya always believes in everyone and encourages people to reach their potential.

COURAGEOUS

Leanne Hawkin – mirus staff member, Bridgend

When Leanne started with mirus she lacked confidence as it was her first job in 20 years. She has now developed her confidence enough to enroll on the Aspiring Managers course. She puts in 100% in everything she does, and is always willing to give things a go. She is committed to finding opportunities for development for the people she supports, and has built great connections with people and their families. She goes above and beyond for everyone.

Matthew Clarke – person supported by mirus, NPT

Matthew felt his brain injury stopped him from being the Dad he wanted to be. Since being supported by mirus his confidence has grown, and he has become more independent. He takes responsibility for his medication, and has worked with staff to build a planner of activities that he can do with his children. This independence has increased his confidence, and he has bonded with his children and has “found his way to being a Dad again”.

Haydn – person supported by mirus, Brecon

Haydn has grown so much as a person. He has shown he can manage lots of situations, including shopping, picking up medication and paying bills. This year he went on holiday and enjoyed his surroundings, and overcame situations that were previously difficult for him. The trip has opened up lots more possibilities for his future. He has become a more confident, happy and content person, and he’s shown great courage in embracing new challenges.

Lucky – person supported by mirus, Cardiff

Lucky has experienced some difficult times, and has shown great courage to get through them. Regardless of how difficult situations have been, she has still maintained a cheery outlook. Lucky was previous withdrawn, however she is now making new friends and socialising. Lucky is also learning new skills such as cooking from scratch. Lucky brightens our days and it’s an absolute pleasure to support her and watch her blossom.