Two employees at an Irvine care organisation have been shortlisted for a prestigious award in Scotland.

Amanda McBlain and Stewart McDowell have been recognised for their valiant efforts and tremendous work ethic whilst working with Carewatch Ayrshire, an organisation dedicated to helping people with everyday jobs.

The Scottish Care Awards is a prestigious event in which people from all around Scotland are nominated for their contribution to their communities and the people within them.

Amanda has been recognised as one of the leading home care employees in Scotland and was nominated in the Co-ordinator/Administrator of the Year category at this year’s awards. 

This award is specifically targeted towards employees and organisations that show tremendous work by the country’s Care at Home and Housing Support Services.

Amanda was very grateful to have been recognised. “I am really thrilled to be nominated for a Scottish Care award. I have learnt so much in the different roles I have done at Carewatch. I was only covering for maternity leave but that was three years ago!”

Amanda was nominated by Carewatch Ayrshire operations managers, Amanda Lowe, who spoke very highly of Amanda's work.

She said: “Amanda joined in 2014 as a temp administrator covering maternity leave with no professional care experience – however, she had compassion, a caring nature and willingness to help others.

“In 2015 she joined the on-call team and has taken a lead role in overseeing the team. Growing within the company, she wants to go further. She will strive to meet the needs of the customer whilst protecting the business needs and safety of customer and staff. Amanda goes above and beyond her duties.”

Stewart McDowell, who has been nominated under the Care at Home Services Carer of the Year category, was equally as thrilled to have been recognised as one of the many people within the company who go above and beyond for their customers. 

He said: “I am very surprised but thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a finalist in these prestigious awards.”

“I started with Carewatch over two years ago with no experience. Having worked as an engineer before I really enjoy my job, and to be nominated for Carer of the Year is really fantastic.”

Stewart was nominated by Carewatch Ayrshire’s managing director, Anna Houston who had some equally pleasing statements about Stewart: “He has found a real passion for providing care and support and made real positive differences to many – especially people requiring end of life care – and found his calling.

“His work ethic, commitment and passion for supporting people to get the best out themselves has a good effect on other staff.”

Amanda and Stewart will both attend the awards ceremony which will be held on May 18 at the Marriott Hotel, Glasgow.

The awards will be hosted by Michelle McManus and will see over 300 people attending.

The awards have been hailed a huge success in recognising individuals, teams and companies, who are delivering care at an incredibly high standard in an era of challenging budgets and within an increasingly demanding work environment.

The care awards will follow a full day conference focused on home care support in Scotland, with speakers including the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Sport, Shona Robison.