Stoke care home manager wins ‘highly-commended’ at Make a Difference Awards
04 Jan 2024
3 min read
- Good news story
- Management
Over the Christmas and New Year period we’re sharing some additional good news stories from the sector in 2023. This time we say well done to Lesley Kokai on her award win.
Lesley Kokai is the registered Manager at St Michael’s Care Home in Stoke on Trent, where she has worked for the last 40+ years. In addition, she is co-chair of the Stoke Registered Managers Network.
Lesley’s daughter nominated her for the Radio Stoke Make a Difference Awards.
She had sent a letter to say how proud she was of Lesley working at St Michael’s for over 40 years whilst raising two children as a single mother. She also highlighted her strength in leading the team through the COVID-19 pandemic.
The judges said the nomination which Lesley’s daughter sent in was outstanding among thousands of nominations.
Lesley won a ‘Highly-commended Carer Award’ which was well-deserved.
Anyone who knows Lesley wholeheartedly welcomed this nomination. Lesley is an exceptional person and manager who is always willing to support anyone in need. The Stoke Registered Managers Network mantra is #bemoreLesley. As soon as she walks into the room she puts a smile on everyone’s face
Lesley is always willing to stand up for what she feels is right and to support others who may not have the confidence or ability to ensure their voice is heard.
Lesley offers support, not just for her residents but also for their families and her staff team. During covid she worked tirelessly to ensure everyone was safe physically and mentally and supported her staff to team to access the local staff wellbeing hub as well as supporting the se- up of an in-house staff support group.
A Radio Stoke reporter went to the home to interview Lesley which proved a wonderful experience for all the residents who were really excited to celebrate with Lesley.
This recognition has given a spotlight on the amazing work that Lesley undertakes but also that of her team and that of the wider sector.
The residents from St Michaels all said that the award is well-deserved, as did the Registered Managers Network members.
One member said:
Definitely a well-deserved award. Lesley is always there for all of us. If ever someone needs guidance or support Lesley is there at the end of the phone or on the network WhatsApp group to offer help and advice. During covid she was even seen dripping off tins of beans to other homes when supplies were low. We are lucky to have her as co-chair of our network.
Shirley Way, Locality Manager, Skills for Care said:
Once seen, never forgotten! Lesley is a manager who immediately makes an impact on everyone’s life that she meets with her wonderful personality, sense of humour and determination that everyone gets the care and support they want, need and deserve. Lesley was an exceptional support to so many through covid, including myself and I feel honoured to know her. She leads with compassion and dignity but please don’t ask her to share her sweets!
Lesley said:
I was shocked to hear I had been nominated by my daughter and what a lovely reaction it got from all my staff and residents. The celebration event was great and I was so pleased to win highly-commended. My residents loved having the Radio Stoke reporter come to the home to visit, they had a great day, so nice to see that we all got to enjoy the award. I believe all social care managers and their staff should be given an award for the work they do every day, especially through the pandemic.
Share your good news stories with us by emailing marketing@skillsforcare.org.uk
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