Nominated by Dionne Jarvis (Senior Support Worker, Bedford)

“I would like to nominate Andreea Ilie as she is an absolutely brilliant lady! She works so hard. She is always on the go and whenever there is a problem she is always trying to help. She goes the extra mile in delivering person-centred care for those she supports and for the staff who work in her service. Andreea always has a smile on her face and this has a positive impact on anyone that sees her.

Andreea helped me in becoming a senior as she gave me the confidence to go for the role. Andrea inspired me to believe in myself and showed me I can go far even when I have little faith in myself. She really is an amazing woman!”

Nominated by Louise Hudson (Care Support Worker)

“This is a picture of myself, Louise Hudson, and Anna Wroe. Anna is an inspirational woman to many in our workforce. She has had a tough time recently, but she never moans or groans and always turns up to work with a smile on her face. Anna inspires all of us to stay positive and calm, and for this reason, Anna is my inspirational woman.“

Nominated by Maisie Atkinson (Events Lead, Head Office)

“I think Anna is a textbook definition of accelerating action. All you have to do is look at Creative Support to see that! She’s approachable, affirmative, and passionate about her work and all those we support. All good workplaces have to have a strong mind at the top to lead everyone, and it’s so empowering to see a strong-minded woman leading the way for us all. Again, even though I’ve not been here very long, Anna has always had time to stop and answer whatever question comes to mind or reaffirms answers if I’m not sure. I also appreciate that she maintains a good relationship with everyone, particularly when she pops in to chat with the team, and it’s nice to see that the qualities she embodies translate into the work we do and who we do the work for.

Chloe has compassion and understands who we work for and the difference it can make. As soon as I met Chloe, she created a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You can say anything to her, and she makes you feel heard, understood, and celebrated all at the same time. She’s achieved so much in the past four years she’s worked in Creative Support, and it’s lovely to come into a space where you can see her hard work being rewarded, too. No matter how complicated or load-bearing the task is, you can see how much time and effort Chloe puts into her work.

I think I speak for everyone when I say every office needs a Lois! On my first day, Lois was so bubbly and really made me feel welcome on the team. Lois brought so much energy and enthusiasm. I feel it’s important to recognise the person Lois is and the voice they represent on IWD. Lois acknowledges and perceives everyone for who they are, and that’s all we ask and strive for when we celebrate IWD (and every day, to be honest!). And even though Lois may not know or feel they give the impression of being this way, Lois: you are AWESOME! Thank you for being unapologetically yourself.”

Nominated by Lucy Bell (Director of Business Development, Head Office)

“I would like to nominate Claire Shaw as my inspirational woman for International Women’s Day. She has so much on but there is never a day when she’s too busy to make time for someone when they need it. Claire will drop everything to be a listening ear and a bit of light relief. I am lucky to have had such a wonderful colleague for over a decade!”

Nominated by Batir Ali (Web Manager, Head Office)

“I would like to nominate our incredible head office reception team (Ellie Williams, Jade Sumner, Dionne Russell, Julie Hinchey, Rachel Dixon, and Joanne Dickinson) for recognition this International Women’s Day. Their professionalism, dedication, and constant positive energy play a crucial role in maintaining a welcoming environment for all visitors and staff. They are often the first point of contact for everyone who walks through our doors, and they do so with grace and a commitment to excellence.

Each member of the team brings a unique set of skills, from customer service to administrative duties, always ensuring that every person feels valued. They navigate their roles with empathy, support, and strength, often balancing numerous tasks with remarkable poise.

This nomination is a recognition of their hard work, resilience, and the positive impact they have on our workplace every day. I am proud to work alongside such an inspiring team.“

Nominated by Bradley Sykes (Service Development Officer)

“My colleague, Helene, consistently inspires me with her quiet yet powerful advocacy for gender equality. She doesn’t engage in grandstanding but rather leads by example and through subtle, impactful interventions. Her actions have taught me that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice but about creating space for others to thrive and that genuine empowerment comes from consistent, supportive actions.”

Nominated by Greg Stratford (Care Support Worker, Manchester)

“I would like to nominate my mother, Jane Hobson. Jane is the reason I started in care. I did not have any passion in my previous job, and when my mother Jane suggested care, I was initially apprehensive as I had no experience in the role. She explained to me how worthwhile and rewarding a role in care could be. Knowing that she has worked within the care sector for over 40 years, I listened and have never looked back. I know she also inspired my two stepsisters, who also work for Creative Support and feel the same joy for the job as I do. I now have a job that I am passionate about, and this is all because I listened to her advice. So, I just want to say thank you, Mum, for all that you do for me and everyone else.”

Nominated by Rachel Hobson (Care Support Worker, Manchester)

“I would love to nominate Jane Hobson from Swinton/Bury. Jane is the Registered Area Manager as well as my step-mum. She has always been an inspiration to me since I was a young girl and has taught me so much, especially through the scary changes of growing up. Jane has always been immensely passionate and proud of her job, so much so that she convinced me to apply to be a Support Worker years ago. Three years later, just like her, I did that, and I love my job here at Creative Support. It’s so strange seeing Jane now in a different environment than I’m used to; she’s now not only my parent but also my boss!

Jane is the funniest, caring, and supportive person to the people and staff that she works with. She has been working within the social care sector for 40 years this year. Her knowledge, caring nature, passion, and love shine through. I can’t think of a more inspirational woman. It makes me feel so lucky that she is not only my mum but a mentor who I can always rely on.”

Nominated by Beth Dove (Senior Support Worker)

“Jodie always goes above and beyond when at work not only supporting the people we support but also her staff team.  Even though she has personal issues she does not let that affect her when working she is always there to support everyone and gives them advice and guidance and I feel and so do my team that everyone needs a Jodie in their service. She does not realise the impact she has positively had on this service and I am very proud to have her on my team. And I feel she deserve this acknowledge that we appreciate everything she does.”

Nominated by Lauren Woods (Marketing & Communications Manager, Head Office)

“There are so many women who work at Creative Support whose tenacity, positivity and skill make you take a second to consider “Are you actually a superhero?” The answer is yes. It is such an honour to be able to come to work with so many superheroes every day. Here are my nominations for International Women’s Day:

Julie Cooke

Julie is an absolute powerhouse. When I first joined Creative Support it took me a while to get my head around all the things she does, from being the Director for HR, to being a service director for many services. Despite having so much to do, Julie is really approachable and is always willing to spare you some time if ever you have any questions or you’re in need of advice. Julie regularly finds the time to give my team feedback on what we’ve been creating, which we really value and appreciate. Thank you Julie for all that you do for us at Creative Support, you are an inspiration!

Helene Orchard

Helene is our inspirational Customer Care Lead. I admire how although her job can be quite stressful, she takes it all in her stride and has a really positive attitude. She always brightens the marketing area whenever she visits our team – we always have a laugh! My team is grateful for how Helene regularly helps us out at Head Office events and gets involved. Helene is such a valued member of Head Office and we wouldn’t know what we would do without her!

Abbie Dutton-Guiver

Abbie and I started out as managers at a similar time and I really appreciate how she is always there if ever I’m in need of advice or peer support. Abbie’s positive attitude to work is infectious and I always enjoy working with her on projects. Her team clearly think the world of her and she is definitely an inspiring manager. Abbie’s passion for her job and her enthusiasm for the work she does for the people we support really shines through when you speak to her.  Thanks for all you do Abbie!”

Nominated by Anonymous

“Lyndsey is an inspiration for many reasons. Lyndsey is a director, a mother, a community representative, and a caring individual. Lyndsey manages to save space for any person who requires it, although her time is in high demand. She always provides positive feedback for her managers and will support them, no questions asked. She champions equality, diversity and the women around her. Nothing is too much for her and her dedication to support those around her is what inspires me most.”

Nominated by Paige Trossell (Project Manager, Bradford)

“Saima is an Area Manager who started her career in mental health as a Support Worker. Saima has dedicated 13 years to the company and is now the area manager for Bradford, Derby and Hull. No issue is ever too much for her. She’s passionate about her role and is always determined to see things through and has a kind word for everyone around her. Saima is often seen as the mother figure and will offer guidance and support to any one who requires it, whether that be staff or service users.

Saima’s knowledge around her job role is outstanding. It’s rare to find a question she can’t answer! I’m not sure that Saima knows just how inspiring she is. Her achievements, dedication and kind heart inspire our staff on a daily basis and she deserves to be recognised as a truly great woman.”

Nominated by Helene Orchard (Customer Experience Manager)

Sarah Smith

Sarah is an absolute powerhouse. She is extremely dedicated in her work and very knowledgeable about all things Creative Support! She is very supportive in the office, but also on a personal level too. I do a lot of solo work, and Sarah’s support is imperative to the work I do. I cannot imagine not working so closely with her. She puts so many people before herself and is the go-to person for people within head office, but also services as well. She makes everyday just that little bit brighter.

Megan Mitchell

Megan is the calmest person I know. She holds down an extremely busy role whilst being the most amazing Mum to her daughter. She is always smiling and happy to help anyone who needs it.

Erin Charmer

Since Erin started at Creative Support, she has been like a breath of fresh air. Her attitude towards work is something to be admired. She is kind, caring and unaware of just had fantastic she is.

Nominated by Samuel Ayo-Abdul (Support Coordinator)

Samantha Cook

I nominate Samantha Cook as my inspiring woman at work. Samantha is a leader and a team player who shares her wealth of knowledge and experience with her staff. I have observed her from a distance, and she is diligent and conscientious in her work. Samantha is empathetic. She genuinely cares about the well-being of staff and gives her staff the right support to ensure that they are well-equipped to carry out their duties. Thank you, Samantha, for all that you do. I couldn’t have asked for a better Line Manager.

Nominated by Grae Tower (Communications Officer, Head Office)

“Sian Yates and Katie Hodgson are two women I not only value as members of our Marketing Team for their hard work, but also appreciate for their kindness and deeply admire for their talents. Katie is an exceptional graphic designer and has become a cornerstone in the artistic direction for Creative Support. She creates stunning spreads in our glossy staff magazine, Creative People, and with her clean and bright design, makes many of the women featured on the pages feel proud of their professions. Her design is always spot-on, and anyone can rely on her for a stellar outcome on any project.

Sian manages our Marketing administration, and I don’t know what we’d do without her determination and stamina in handling important daily queries. Sian is incredibly intelligent and quick, and her input is greatly appreciated whenever I’m seeking advice about the next steps. Not only does Sian manage all of her own projects, but she also assists many others with theirs simultaneously. Her skill set must be vast by now, and we’re all so grateful for her support.

Katie and Sian also have incredible compassion, despite the challenges they face with England’s failing childcare system. Both are busy mothers of young children who manage childcare responsibilities alongside work and always bring so much enthusiasm to the team. A survey last year found that 85% of mothers struggle to find childcare that fits around their work. With many primary caregivers being women, we still have a long way to go to help mothers feel supported. Nonetheless, Katie and Sian are both brilliant parents and amazing friends. Thank you to two women I can only describe as powerhouses in our department!”

Nominated by Danielle Clifton (Development Officer)

I would like to nominate Simone Kay – Registered Manager for Team two in Doncaster. The reason for my nomination is due to the fact that Simone started with Creative Support as a Support Worker, she worked herself up the ranks from Support Worker to Senior Support Worker, right up to being a CQC Registered Manager in as little as 18 months from sheer hard work and determination.

Simone shows genuine passion, love and care for her role – being so ambitious in everything she does. Simone strives for success within her role, taking each step in her stride and overcoming any obstacles which she may face – she does this with ease and with a sense of learning and development, therefore, nothing is ever too much for her. She will take on anything and always look at the positives within it, always find new ways of working and developing and is one of the most positive people I know. I believe Simone deserves this award to recognise the hard work she has put in to get to where she is now – there are not many people who would set themselves a goal or target and achieve this in such a short space of time but I feel the time it took her to succeed and reach her CQC Registered Manger role speaks for itself and is a demonstration of how far she goes to get to where she wants to be, making such positive changes on her way. 

Simone recognises where situations could be changed and the lives of our Service Users could be made better and there is no one who would get in the way of making this happen. Simone is an advocate, a team player and a genuine, down to earth individual who will openly talk about how much she loves her job and this shows, every single day in everything that she does.

 I believe Simone is a credit to our Doncaster services. She has a heart of gold, inside and outside of work and in personal times, has been not only a colleague but a friendly face, a shoulder to learn on and an open ear. She gives her time to anyone who may need her and remains unbiased, confidential and a reassuring voice, always. She is trustworthy, honest and a wise lady who always provides me with sensible advice. I know if there I anyone within the office or in life who will be straight talking, it will be her. 

Thank you for everything, Simone – you have shown me that targets really can be achieved and if you work hard and aim for the stars, you really can get there.

Nominated by Summer Shillito (Support Coordinator)

“Tina worked for Creative Support for a number of years in Doncaster. She built amazing bonds with people she supported and touched the hearts of many people. Sadly, Tina passed away in December 2024 and left a profound and lasting impact on all those who worked with her and were supported by her.  It was clear to see how appreciated and inspirational Tina was, as she pushed others to be the best they can be. Tina’s memory still continues to influence others to be kind, helpful and to have a friendly face. Service users and staff loved Tina, as she was a true picture of inspiration, that a hard time can become good if you fight for it.

“Tina’s friends and work colleagues, Susan and Dawn, are also inspirational women. Even though their friend was going through an extremely challenging time, they remained positive, and guided others to be positive too. Dawn and Susan sat with the people they support to explain what was happening. When Tina left work, Dawn and Susan decided to do some fundraising to donate money to Firefly- a charity that was supporting Tina. They collectively got lots of people involved and raised huge amounts of money for a brilliant cause. They continue to be amazing support workers.

“These three ladies are the epitome of inspiration. Their determination, strength and kindness gave other people the ability to thrive, even in the toughest of circumstances.“