TWO women have been honoured for their commitment to care home residents during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Leah Beattie and Susie Carman won the Beyond the Call of Duty and Activities Co-ordinator of the Year accolades at the Ideal Care Awards for their work at Ebor Court in York.

Leah was commended for her approach to person-centred care and going above and beyond by helping families and colleagues through difficult times.

Susie was recognised for her cheery demeanour and ability to entertain residents under strict conditions, helping to combat loneliness by bringing people together to join in with fun activities.

The Ideal Care Awards were created in 2019 to recognise, reward and pay tribute to the Ideal Carehomes staff team who go above and beyond their roles.

After a callout for nominations, the group received 1,200 entries across 14 categories, ranging from Housekeeping Hero and Resident Outstanding Contribution to Home Manager and Home of the Year.

The awards were announced at a gala dinner hosted by Shaun Williamson, who played Barry Evans in EastEnders.

Home manager, Shane Talbot, said: “They are incredibly talented carers, with the ability to light up a room and put smiles on everybody’s faces. They have shown so much bravery throughout the pandemic, taking every challenge in their stride and putting the needs of residents above all.”

Leah said: “I am thrilled to have been awarded the Beyond Call of Duty title, however it was such an incredible team effort – I feel like I brought the award home for us all.”

Susie said: “The awards evening was a perfect evening, we had so much fun, and it was great to be around such inspiring people. My job is incredibly rewarding, and I love every day I can see my residents – I am very honoured’.

Ebor Court is a residential and dementia care home in Nether Poppleton which is rated as good by the Care Quality Commission.