An inspirational woman from Hounslow, who works with adults with learning disabilities helping them to become more independent, has won a top national award.
Support worker Hema Abeyatunge - who works at a residential service in Twickenham, run by Regard - scooped the Lord Rix award for supporting older people with learning disabilities, at the National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards 2015.
The judging panel commended her for her work with an individual with a phobia of dogs, which meant going out to the park or to public places could cause her acute anxiety, a fear the woman was able to overcome with help and support from Ms Abeyatunge.
Hema was nominated by her service manager Aliza Rahman who said: “Hema is an incredibly hard-working carer and her dedication to the people she supports shone through.
“No task is too insignificant for her to tackle. She simply jumps in and gets the job done.
"She is such a pleasure to have around with her can-do and conscientious attitude.
"She is always bursting with enthusiasm for her work and takes on everyday tasks willingly – never as a chore.”
The judges said: "Hema touched the whole panel with her passion for the work she does; she was instantly engaging and inspirational.
"She smiled as she relived the pleasure of working with people in the simplest of ways to make a massive impact on their quality of life."
More than 700 people attended the gala event, hosted by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities and Care Talk magazine, and held at the International Convention Centre in Birmingham.
