A CHILDREN'S respite unit in Kidderminster has been nominated for a Worcestershire Health and Social Care award.

The Kidderminster Short Breaks Unit on Moule Close, run by Worcestershire Children's First, has been put forward for the Child & Adolescent Health Care Award.

The centre was nominated by a parent whose child uses the service. She said: "It's a place we feel safe and happy to leave our vulnerable child while we get some much-needed respite.

"They literally are an amazing bunch and life savers.

"All Moule Close staff are lovely and friendly and the manager Stuart is young and enthusiastic and we are so grateful for this respite they provide.

"They go out of their way to support the whole family. They take their young people out into the community and give them amazing opportunities and activities that may not be available within the family setting.

"They are just amazing and really deserve recognition for the support and work they do. I have no idea where we would be without them".

Stuart Hart, team manager at the respite unit, said: "Everyone involved with Moule Close is incredibly proud and honoured to be nominated for this award, for a parent to recognise the vital contribution that we have made to their family means everything.

"Moule Close has been open for over 20 years and provided Respite care to hundreds of children with disabilities from around all of Worcestershire, The last two years have been an incredibly testing time for everyone however the Moule close staff team have worked tirelessly to remain open and provide respite for over 30 families during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

"Our aim is to provide a safe place for each child to have time to relax, develop themselves and to promote their independence to help them throughout their lives showcasing that children with disabilities can achieve in life.

"As manager of the home I am proud of the hard work and dedication of the team have put in to give specific and tailored care for our children which was evidenced from our most recent Ofsted inspection that took place in March where the home achieved “Good” overall rating.

"The home aims to continue to provide the best care possible for the children at Moule close to aspire to improve their lives moving forwards into Adulthood".

The Adolescent & Child Health Award is sponsored by Cambian Group which provides care to children and young people in children’s homes and residential education across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Cambian offers good quality environments, a child-centred approach and support for individual development to help children and young people move forward in their future.

The Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards have been launched across all of our titles in Worcestershire - Worcester News, Malvern Gazette, Evesham Journal, Bromsgrove & Droitwich Advertiser, Redditch Advertiser and The Shuttle, in conjunction with the University of Worcester.

The awards will culminate in a virtual awards ceremony on Thursday, October 13 at 7pm.

There are 12 categories in total – to nominate someone visit https://www.worcesternews.co.uk/whsc-awards-2022/ - it only takes a few minutes.