When Andrew Johnson came up with the idea of creating comfort and care packages for patients in end-of-life care it felt like a simple way to get his students thinking about the needs of the individual and their families.
It is a sensitive subject that he knows, for many, can be upsetting or close to personal circumstances, and so the health and social care lecturer at Redcar and Cleveland College was keen to find a way to take away the taboo and approach it in a positive way.
“Our aim was to help patients and their families by providing personal items to support their wellbeing and comfort,” he said.
“It was a way of encouraging the students to think practically about the patients’ physical and emotional needs, and those of their loved ones with them.”
Despite the best intentions, Andrew never could have imagined the enthusiasm with which the project would be embraced by his students, their families, college staff and the wider community.
Inundated with donations, together the team was able to put together and donate dozens of packages for local care providers – each and every one of them having a real impact on someone facing the most challenging times.
Now Andrew and the team’s efforts have been recognised, making it to the shortlist for two national awards!
Already named a finalist in the Educator of the Year category of the NCFE Aspiration Awards, Andrew has now made it to the shortlist of The Palliative and End of Life Care Awards in the running for the Best Fundraiser, Influencer and Campaigner title.
“I can’t believe it, I never expected any of this,” said Andrew who regularly shares his own industry knowledge with students to help put the theory and practical skills into context.
Nominating the group for the national award he added: “I wanted to put the whole group forward for an award to recognise their efforts and just give them a little cheer.
“The Palliative and End of Life Care Awards are national industry-based awards so I didn’t think we would be considered. We are up against people who work in care settings every day.
“The fact that we have been considered and then shortlisted makes me feel happy, honoured and really quite emotional.”
The awards recognise and celebrate excellence in palliative and end of life care in a social care, or hospice setting. The event is led by care professionals, shining a light on the complex role social care plays in end-of-life care.
Andrew must now attend a virtual judging day to meet and chat to the panel of judges.
All finalists are invited to a gala awards ceremony in London next month hosted by TV presenter and journalist Kate Garraway.
As previously shared, Andrew is also a finalist in the NCFE Aspiration Awards.
“To be recognised nationally for two awards is something that is so special,” he said.
“The most important thing when creating this project was to get the students to think about how to help people, the small things they and others can do to help people in their final days. I wanted them to experience doing something in real time, that could make a real difference and that is what they have done.”
