A TEAM of support workers who helped a man spend Christmas with his family for the first time in almost 50 years have received a national award.

Staff from specialist care provider Dimensions, in Darlington, were handed the respect award at the organisation’s prize-giving ceremony.

Taking place in London today (Thursday, September 11), the awards recognise the work done by the organisation’s staff to support around 3,500 with learning disabilities and autism.

The Darlington team, made up of Denise Swinton, Jill Seymour, Laura Coverdale, Nikki Lawson and Leon Scaife, were rewarded for their efforts to help 56-year-old Richard Worth, who has learning disabilities, reconnect with his family and spend Christmas Eve at home for the first time in 49 years

Jackie Milburn, Dimensions locality manager, nominated the team for their award.

She said: “Respect is at the heart of Dimensions’ work and is one the organisation’s values. Every member of this staff team went the extra mile and demonstrated respect and personalised support.

“Not only did they reunite Richard with his sisters but also helped his sisters who were nervous about seeing him again after so long.

“It is very important for people with learning disabilities and autism to have a stable circle of support and for families and friends to be involved in their lives.”

Ms Swinton said: “I’m very happy to have won the award and proud of how far everyone has come.

“It’s great to see how much we can achieve when we have a shared goal and we’re thrilled that Richard is back in touch with his sisters and they’re all getting along so well.”

Dimensions chief executive Steve Scown added: “This staff team have really demonstrated what can be achieved in supporting Richard to spend time with his family again.”