Deputy Manager Sabrina is crowned the nation’s best!

A Lifeways leader, who graduated through the company’s talent development programme, has been crowned Deputy Manager of the Year at the National Care Awards. 

Sabrina Brown, 26, from Lincoln, was named the winner of the prestigious award at a special ceremony hosted by BBC One Show presenter Alex Jones. 

Sabrina, who works at our Heath Farm residential service in Lincolnshire, was stunned as her name was announced and says she’s still in a state of shock!  

“The fact I have won is still unbelievable,” Sabrina said. “I was completely shocked because at the beginning of the night the host said that every year it gets harder to be shortlisted and that the entry requirements are very stringent so all finalists were congratulated for getting that far.  

‘I was so nervous’ 

“When my award category was called out, I was so nervous and then to hear my name called out as the winner, I honestly didn't know how to react!  

“I just covered my mouth with both hands in shock then I was ecstatic. I cried when I was handed the award on stage, as soon as I saw my name on it. It is an amazing feeling to be recognised nationally and that all my hard work and dedication to my job hasn't gone unnoticed.” 

Sabrina joined Lifeways seven years ago as a support worker, but through hard work and a passion for learning, she graduated through Lifeways’ talent programme to become a Deputy Manager. 

‘Amazing’ 

“Lifeways has been amazing. I started off as a support worker at Heath Farm in 2017 with no previous experience in care and, honestly, this was originally supposed to be job to fill in a gap,” Sabrina said.  

“Lifeways made me realise how important this line of work is and how rewarding it can be to support people with autism and learning disabilities.” 

She said she takes full advantage of the training and development opportunities Lifeways offers but, humbly, thanked her team’s support. 

“Without my team, I wouldn't be where I am. I have managers that believe in me and allowed me to implement changes and my team and colleagues have a "why not" attitude,” Sabrina said. 

“Changing mindsets and advocating for people with complex needs is a passion of mine, and hope I will continue to achieve great things with Lifeways.” 

‘So proud’ 

Karen Jones, Lifeways’ Managing Director for the company’s Residential division, was thrilled to see one of her own receive the national accolade. 

She said: “Everyone in the residential division, and across Lifeways, is so proud of Sabrina’s achievement. It is thoroughly deserved recognition for the work she does and how far she has progressed with us. 

“Sabrina is a shining example of the opportunities Lifeways offers for people to build care as a career and we’re all absolutely delighted for her.” 

Find out more about life-changing roles at Lifeways: Careers at Lifeways | Lifeways