Kerry is named as top employee

Kerry is named as top employee

30 October 2013

A FORMER pupil at Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick has been voted employee of the month by her colleagues at Annahilt Care Home.

Kitchen assistant Kerry Gibson, supported by the learning disability charity Mencap from its Downpatrick office, volunteered at the home after leaving school.

She became a permanent member of staff five years ago, one of 50 people working at the residential care home.

Kerry, who lives in Annahilt, was informed she was employee of the month during a birthday party for one of the residents.

“My manager made the announcement at the end of the party. Everybody clapped and I felt a bit embarrassed, but very happy,” she said.

“It’s the most exciting thing that has happened to me at work and I am looking forward to using the gift voucher I got. I also had my picture taken and it is in a frame by the front door.”

Kerry works shifts at the care home and helps prepare food, set tables and bring out meals for the 36 residents.

Care home manager, Naomi Graham, described Kerry as a “brilliant worker, very dependable, very organised, good at her job and great with the residents.”

Naomi added: “Kerry is also very good with dates and sends the residents cards on their birthdays. She is a very popular and valuable member of the team.”

For over 20 years, Mencap’s employment service in Downpatrick has worked closely with employers and trainees across Down District and the Lisburn area, helping people with a learning disability to develop the skills and knowledge they need to secure a paid employment. Where needed, Mencap provides on-going support to help people develop further in their paid job.