Essex Carer is ‘Simply the Best’

Mencap carer Gaynor Jarrett is over the moon after hearing the news that she is the first carer in Essex to be awarded the City and Guilds ‘Medal of Excellence’ for Outstanding Performance in Health and Social Care.

Every year learners from across the country are nominated by their colleagues, managers and NVQ Assessors for various categories of this prestigious award, which recognises an individual’s commitment to their National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) and industry sector.

Gaynor has been working in the care sector for 3 years and completed her Health and Social Care level 3 NVQ in just 6 months after Westcliff on Sea based provider Vocational Training Services (VTS) was awarded £74,000 of funding from the European Social Fund (ESF).

Essex MEP Richard Howitt, who is also President of the European Parliament Disability Group and an avid ESF supporter presented Gaynor with the official written citation of the award at her workplace on Friday and during his presentation said:-

 “Too often carers are the  unrewarded heroes of our community, and today's news that Gaynor's hard work is being recognised with this award, is not only a boost to her but to everyone here at Mencap, who have told me that they think she is invaluable.”
“It is a delight to see European money helping local people achieve their dreams. I have been fighting in Europe to ensure that this money for Essex doesn't dry up and continues to help local people like Gaynor into the future.”

Richard Howitt MEP and Nick Morgan from VTS, awarding Gaynor Jarrett her Medals for Excellence award.