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 Austin Kavanagh, a dedicated Team Leader at Mulhuddart Day Service, who was honoured with the Living the Values award.
Austin received the award for embodying Praxis Care’s principles of compassion, integrity, and respect. He is known for his person-centred approach and community spirit. In December 2024, Austin rallied support for a local family who lost their home to a fire – securing housing advocacy, donations, and festive hampers to ensure they could still celebrate Christmas. His empathy and initiative continue to inspire those around him.
What did it mean to you to win the Rising Star award?
I was surprised and delighted to be nominated, as it’s from the people you work with every day. I was more than happy with that alone, but to be confirmed the winner was extra special, as there are finalists from different schemes across Praxis Care in Ireland, the UK and Isle of Man.
Our scheme also won the Co-Production award which was extra special as, the team work very hard with the people we support to achieve their life goals.
How did you celebrate winning?
Unfortunately, I took ill the day after the awards and ended up in hospital, but we have an evening of dinner, drinks and fun booked for December to celebrate the winnings of both myself and Mulhuddart so I am looking forward to that.
Can you tell us about your day-to-day role in Praxis Care?
My typical day starts with some admin before the staff and people we support arrive, then we have the staff handover of the day, where we discuss any events that might have happened to keep each other informed.
When the people we support arrive at the scheme to start their day, I usually have three or four of them come straight to me with questions, or to share something that’s important to them. It’s a great feeling knowing they want to connect and talk to us.
The rest of my day is a mix of emails, staff chats, meetings, and planning for future events for the people we support at the day service. Sometimes it gets so busy that time flies, and before I know it, it’s time to log off and head home.
How did you get into a career in care?
Before joining Praxis Care, I was completely new to the care sector. I spent 22 years serving in the Military with Óglaigh na hÉireann before moving into healthcare. In 2012 I joined Blackrock Clinic as an orthopaedic theatre assistant. In September 2017, I joined Praxis Care in Mulhuddart, starting a new chapter in the care sector.
What motivates you to keep going in your role on tough days?
My motivation is the staff and the people we support. The motivation is to make sure that the staff feel listened to on tough days, and the guys are supported to get through whatever is happening at that moment. Always remain calm and remember that tomorrow is another day.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of starting a career in care?
I would 100% recommend that people who want a career in social care but are not sure, to try it – they won’t regret it. I always say it’s the best job ever (apart from when I worked in the Military).
When you see the trust the people you support give you and see the progress they make in their daily lives it’s just amazing and so, so worth it.