Recognising and rewarding Mable's support worker community

Marty brings genuine care, enthusiasm, and professionalism to his role as a support worker.

I am 82 and live with arthritis, bursitis, sciatica, and emphysema, which is why Marty encourages me to go on walks wherever I feel like going, whether along the beach or through the forest. He does this with real enthusiasm, making these outings enjoyable, safe, and meaningful.

When we go out, Marty also videos where we go, which gives me something I truly love — I spend the evening happily editing the videos and posting them on YouTube. Together, we have created over 100 videos of our forest and beach walks, which has given me purpose, enjoyment, and creative engagement.

Marty always brightens my day and leaves me with a smile on my face. He treats me like a friend, with kindness, patience, and respect, listens when I talk, responds positively, and makes me feel valued and supported.

He truly deserves recognition for the positive difference he makes in my life.

No amount of words can possibly describe the level of joy, support and friendship Tania offers my mum on a weekly basis. Tania has transformed Mum’s life from one of isolation to daily joy.

Despite the challenges of Mum being blind and living with dementia, Tania makes every session meaningful. She is incredibly calm, observant, and detailed in her care approach. She handles the toughest parts of care – continence, showering – with such natural humour and kindness that what could be awkward becomes moments of dignity and laughter. The last thing Mum asks at night is, “Will Tania come tomorrow?” Which says it all.

It truly makes our day seeing Mum reach for Tania’s hand while they watch movies or listen to music together, having a giggle and chatting away, but also that mum can confide in Tania about her most personal worries.

Tania doesn’t just care for Mum – she supports our whole family, extends her hours without hesitation, providing emotional support and invaluable guidance as we navigate difficult moments.

We honestly cannot imagine doing this without her. We would love Tania to be recognised for the skilled carer she is.

Briony has an amazing, bubbly personality and always arrives with a big smile and endless energy.

Nothing is ever too much trouble for her. From house cleaning, ironing to playing cards and board games, meal preparation, social outings, shopping assistance and even fishing, she does it all with enthusiasm and gives everything 100%.

Her eye for detail takes her cleaning to the next level, and no matter the task, Briony jumps in happily and gets it done. Her energy and infectious laugh instantly lift everyone’s spirits and brighten the whole day.

Briony is not only attentive to physical needs, she regularly checks in on Ian’s mental health as well as mine as his carer. With her nursing background, she is highly in tune with Ian’s medical requirements and notices things that someone without medical training may not recognise.

When I am away, Briony provides extra support, giving me complete peace of mind knowing Ian is fully cared for and all his needs are being met. The days she comes are the highlight of Ian’s day.

She truly is one of a kind and absolutely amazing.

Pauline is one carer that is the absolute best out severely disabled has ever had.

She has so much compassion, kindness, and Pauline looks after Chris as if he was her own son.

Chris loves Pauline and looks forward to seeing Pauline when she comes to look after Chris.

Chris’s life has changed for the better and so has Trevor, Chris’s dad and myself being Chris’s mum. Pauline has taken the stress off our shoulders.

Pauline is such a beautiful person.

Chez is a blessing.

I have a rare autoimmune so every day is different. My day can change in an instant due to an appointment change, emergency or bad nights sleep. Chez is considerate, can sense how I feel and what I need. Having Chez on my care team gives me my dignity, when I am at my lowest or weakest, be it emotionally or physically, she just gets it.

Whether it be helping to undress, shower, washing my hair, helping me into bed or simply making a cup of tea for me, the empathy, awareness and assistance takes my feeling of helplessness away for a while.

I am always a glass-half-full person, but have hurdles to jump, where I can’t be the glass-half-full, Chez is. Which is very important.

It’s not just about supporting either, it’s about encouraging me to get out, interacting with others, and putting that enjoyment and purpose back in life. Chez is extremely professional, when she is supporting me, I am her only focus, she is not distracted by devices, personal issues or life outside.

With my life, the curveballs and me, I would be lost without Chez.

My support worker is exceptional because her impact goes far beyond simply showing up — she strengthens our entire family. In particular, the way she supports my husband, who lives with dementia is deeply meaningful.

She brings a sense of calm, structure, and reassurance into our home, and her presence consistently makes life feel more manageable for all of us.

She is endlessly patient and has a remarkable ability to engage with my husband in a way that makes him feel interesting, valued, and respected. She truly listens to him, remembers the small details of what he shares, and responds in ways that help him feel understood rather than overlooked.

Even on difficult days, she knows how to connect with him and gently support his dignity and confidence.
What truly sets her apart is how proactive and intuitive she is. She doesn’t wait to be told what’s needed — she anticipates it, adjusting her support as our circumstances change.

She provides steady encouragement, helps maintain routine and motivation, and supports me as a carer with equal care and understanding.

She is always reliable, on time, and brings positive, grounding energy into our home.