As part of our annual Staff Awards celebrations, we took the opportunity to speak with some of our incredible winners to learn more about their journeys, what the recognition means to them, and the impact of their work at Praxis Care.
In this edition, we’re delighted to introduce Aidy McHugh, a dedicated Support Worker at Canal View in Monaghan, who was honoured with the Rising Star award.
Aidy was awarded the Rising Star Award for his exceptional creativity, compassion, and commitment to person-centred care. Since joining Canal View last year, Aidy has made a remarkable impact – producing powerful review videos that deeply moved families and championing meaningful community engagement for residents. His attention to detail and dedication have enriched lives and made him an invaluable part of the team.
What did it meant to you to win the Rising Star award?
To say I was surprised when I found out I was nominated is an understatement. My colleague Cain said he had an email printed off for me to read, as I read it I was thinking this must be a wind up! I didn’t even know there was such awards.
Acknowledgement by your peers is truly special and when it sunk in, I felt it would be an absolute honour to represent the residents and colleagues of Canal View at the awards.
How did you celebrate winning?
I had spent the afternoon at the awards ceremony with colleagues from across the organisation, which I have to say was lovely. The ceremony was so well organised and presented. After this I went home to see my family, who were delighted with the news, I got some hugs from them which was the best! In our family we share the good times together, also the times that are not so good. So to share the acknowledgement with them, and having their love and support means more to me than anything.
My family supports me every day, sacrificing our time together so I can spend it with three individuals who also truly value it. At Canal View, the team was incredibly kind – everyone reached out with congratulations. One of our team leaders, Laura, made a lovely poster with a photo of me, Barry, our manager, and Stephen, who nominated me, which was really touching. It was truly humbling, and I did appreciate the gesture very much, I’ve always felt that we don’t celebrate ourselves and our achievements enough.
There’s also been some lovely recognition – social media posts, local press coverage, and even a radio interview on Northern Sound. I’ve received kind messages from strangers, and even a letter from Senator Robbie Gallagher of Dáil Éireann, thanking Praxis Care for our work supporting the most vulnerable in our communities. That was a really nice gesture.
Can you tell us about your day-to-day role in Praxis Care?
No two days are the same in Canal View, we have three individuals who have a high level of support needs, so a typical day, usually isn’t too typical.
We do our first bit of team work with a handover, learning how the residents have been over the previous shirt. Based on this, we can then plan for the day ahead – this usually includes delivering the residents to their day services or day activation units. We then have some time to tend to the daily duties of the scheme, including housekeeping, shopping, collection of medicines, food preparation, team meetings and training.
Later in the day, we go to the collect the guys from their DS/DAU, and engage with them as the evening closes in. Some of our residents are actively involved with the Special Olympics and other social clubs in the Monaghan area. These are fantastic engagements that help staff network and learning about different conditions.
The day end with a slowing down of the evening, creating a setting that lends itself therapeutically to the goals of our residents. Of course, we also have some admin duties, such as daily notes, recording and updating care plans, risk assessments and other relevant paper work. It’s a busy day all round, but team work can ensure a smooth shift.
How did you get into a career in care?
My previous career was mostly in the area of additions, I have worked in residential and acute mental health wards within the NHS back home in Co. Tyrone. I worked in this area for nearly 25 years, and felt that I needed a new challenge, so I joined Praxis Care.
I was drawn to the sector, as I seem to gravitate towards working with vulnerable people, as I have a son Darragh, who has autism. He has taught me so much about intellectual disabilities. My partner, Shelly, also encouraged me to do this work, she said it was something I would be good at – feels weird admitting she was right! Its been a wonderful move for me and I’m glad I took the jump.
What motivates you to keep going in your role on tough days?
Its very simple – Darragh, my son. He is in a special needs school in Co. Tyrone, and I would fully expect that he is receiving the best support every day, being nurtured and cared for by people who value his welfare. I want to b that same person, but for someone else’s son or daughter – to come in every day, help develop their goals, give them the same choices, voice and love that Darragh gets in his day.
Days can be hard and they can take their toll, but self-care, supportive colleagues, and a happy workplace can help get through the shift. I should also add that my other children Tiernan, Ben, and our wee lady Ellie Rose inspire me greatly as well.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of starting a career in care?
Take the jump – the work is challenging but rewarding. Its enjoyable and worth it. You will learn more about yourself than you currently know. You will learn a great set of skills, different ways to communicate. You could be the difference in someone’s day – the light within it. The level of love you will get back as is as good as any wage you earn – it’s the bonus.
I would like to thank Praxis Care for giving me the chance to work with the people I do. I have pained so much from my time here and I very much appreciate the acknowledgement of the Rising Star award. I never set out to get awards in any work I do, so this one was special and valued by me – thank you!