Style Acre Oxfordshire Hero!

We are delighted that one of our Support Managers,  Andrej Ivanovic has won the Oxfordshire Hero Award from the Oxfordshire Association of Care Providers.

Andrej joined Style Acre in 2014 as a support worker, his first job in social care. It quickly became apparent that this was the right career choice! His uplifting, positive attitude meant he soon built rapport and trusting relationships with people he supported, their families and staff. He always has a smile and he shows genuine warmth and understanding towards those he supports and their situations. He became an Assistant Support Manager and his dedication, reliability and strong leadership saw him promoted to Support Manager. Everyone speaks highly of Andrej; he puts the fun into activities and individuals love to be supported by him, particularly when going on holiday!

Andrej has gone to exceptional lengths to support 3 men with complex needs, living in their own home. Andrej has built a friendly, homely atmosphere where family and friends are free to visit (by choice of the residents). He has always gone the extra mile to get to know families, who speak of his commitment to those he supports, and them.
Andrej makes a difference to the lives of the people he supports every day, enabling the men to live interesting, fulfilling lives and reach their full potential. For one resident, swimming is one of the most important things in his life, but this can prove challenging to support; Andrej’s can-do attitude has enabled him to go swimming twice a week.

Andrej looks for ways to enhance people’s lives by supporting them to make decisions through a person-centred approach. Andrej’s support and team-leadership enabled one resident who had recently moved in to communicate through Makaton, which has helped him to enjoy community activities, spend more time with his family, go on holiday and make choices. His anxiety levels have decreased, family and professionals agree he is the happiest and most settled he has ever been. Another resident has a specific diet and chose to eat alone; Andrej worked with staff to encourage him to sit with others and socialise at mealtimes.

Andrej cares deeply about the people he supports and wants to make a difference to their lives, which he does every day. He is compassionate and has a genuine respect for the guys he supports. His likeable personality and commitment to ensuring the people he supports live life to the full, make him an Oxfordshire Hero.

Our CE Chris Ingram says:

‘Huge congratulations to Andrej, a richly deserved recognition of the great support he has provided since being at Style Acre.  Well done Andrej

We were also runner up in the Care Employer Award in recognition of the great work that our staff do to make Style Acre what it is. We won this award last year, so to be recognised again given the number of great providers in the county is a real achievement.’

At the end of last year, we were awarded an OUTSTANDING CQC rating.