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 Olive Reynolds, the dedicated Manager at Station Lodge in Castlebar and Stephen O’Brien, Team Leader, both part of the team who were honoured with the CEO award.
Station Lodge was personally selected by the CEO, recognising their significant excellence, dedication and impact. The award celebrates a team whose work has not only delivered outstanding outcomes for the people we support, but also stands out as a shining example of Praxis Care’s value in action.
Praxis Care, Station Lodge, is an individualised children’s residential service located in Co Mayo, dedicated to supporting a young person with intellectual disability. Station Lodge adopts a human rights approach to care, ensuring that the young person’s psychological, emotional, and holistic needs are met.
What did it mean to your team to win the CEO award?
Olive: Winning the award was a huge surprise for the team. The acknowledgement from Senior Management of the team’s work and achievements was so appreciated, as at times teams can feel that their work goes unnoticed. This was confirmation that although Praxis Care is a large organisation, communication and awareness of what is being achieved within services is noticed.
The team have always had a great sense of pride in our service and the young person we support, and this award has encouraged and motivated them to continue the great work!
As a manager, I am extremely proud of the team in Station Lodge, we have had our challenges. We’ve had to change our approach, learn new skills and adapt – but the team have always risen to the challenge and supported each other on the journey, as we know this is needed to ensure the young person in our care receives the best support and opportunities available to him.
Stephen: Winning was a complete surprise to us as a team and unexpected, as last year we had won a separate team award. It’s nice to receive recognition for the effort the team puts into the service, and the effort our manager puts in to advocate for the young person we work with.
How did your team celebrate winning?
We are planning a meal out for the team with the young person we support at his favourite restaurant, because without him and all he has taught us we would not be the team we are.
Can you tell us about your day-to-day role in Praxis Care?
Olive: I am the person in charge Station Lodge, my office is based in the service next door. I check in with the staff team in the morning, then complete my office duties / manager role. I support staff with any needs they may have, attend meetings, reviews etcetera.
At 3pm (my favourite part of the day!) after school pick up, I go for my daily cup of tea and catch up with the young person we support – he has finally mastered making a good cuppa! On Fridays we like to go for an ice-cream, and chill on our chat couch in centra and catch up on the week.
Although it is an individualised service, it is busy. The young person’s needs are constantly changing and there is a large Multidisciplinary Team involved in his support. As the first children’s service, there has been, and continues to be a lot of learning for both myself and the team.
Stephen: We support a young person to live his life as a child. Our day-to-day aim is to promote his independence as much as possible, while balancing it with the support needed. We teach and practice life skills, as well as working on road safety, relationships, and attending weekly activities. Activities can vary greatly, from supporting him to attend school, to hiking the tallest mountain in Co. Mayo.
When I’m not working with the person we support directly, I work on his plans or ways to improve the service we provide. I also work on daily paperwork, rota management, and supporting the team with their roles and training they need.
How did you get into a career in care?
Olive: I have worked in social care for over 20 years, eight of these with Praxis Care. I started with Praxis Care as a support worker, and worked my way up and completing my QCF with the organisation.
I came to work for Praxis Care following a recommendation from a colleague. The true person-centred approach drew me to the organisation. At the time there were not many individualised services, and the concept of shaping a service around an individual’s needs was inspiring.
Stephen: I’ve worked in the healthcare sector since 2012 in Temple St in Dublin. In 2022, I moved West with my family and took the sideways step into social care.
What motivates you to keep going in your role on tough days?
Olive: The big smile and welcome I get when catch up with the person we support!
Sometimes, particularly as a manager, I take time out of my day and spend it with those we support – it is the best motivation and reminder of why we do what we do! My colleagues also motivate me, as there is always something to celebrate or someone to put a smile on your face on those tough days.
Stephen: I always find that the tough days lead to easier days in the future. It offers a chance to test my resilience. Equally, a tough day for me is a tough day for the person we support as well, so to be able to support somebody through a tough day is a satisfying task.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of starting a career in care?
Olive: GO for it! Prioritise building a connection with the person you’re supporting and the rest will come, sometimes staff can get overwhelmed with training and paperwork, but once that connection is built, the rest will make sense.
Stephen: Go for it! You won’t know if it’ll suit you or not until you’ve tried it. If it happens to not work out with one service or person, it doesn’t mean that it won’t work with another. It’s like finding your way in any new relationship – you may not get on with everyone.