The Queens Cross Network has won the Putting People First Award, as part of the Great British Home Care Awards, for their Disability in Action program. The service gives disabled people in the community the chance to work independently at the centre; meeting and greeting in reception, offering peer support advice and working in the café.

Cabinet member responsible for adult services, Councillor Dave Branwood commented: “This national accolade is a great achievement for the Queens Cross Network and one which is fully deserved. Through their innovative support services they have improved many people’s lives across the borough and everyone connected with the centre should be very proud.”

Local Judges also praised the Queens Cross Network: ‘The service has supported individuals into paid employment, taking control of their own future by developing user-led groups which allow people to not be spoken to, but to be listened to.  A well deserved winner amongst winners.’

Dudley Council continues to flourish in the care sector as this win follows a series of commendations in recent years.  In November 2013 the dementia gateway service was highly acclaimed in the national NHS Dementia Partnership Challenge Awards and in June 2014 Dudley was named best practice from the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group, for the council’s dedication to improving travel and transport for local disabled people.

More: http://www.dudley.gov.uk/media/media-releases/july-2014/dudley-disability-service-scoops-national-award/