Salvation Army care home manager in Coventry wins national award

The manager of a Salvation Army care home in Coventry says she is delighted after winning a national award.

Emma Bailie, manager of Youell Court in Coventry, won the Social Care Superwoman Award (Home Care) at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards which were held in London. She was presented with the award by Dame Floella Benjamin

The awards judges found that Emma, who arrived at Youell Court in 2017, ‘transformed the home, navigating challenges with resilience and vision’. They also praised her ‘ongoing commitment to improving the home, supporting staff and creating a positive environment’.

In her seven years at the home, Emma has led the team at Youell Court to achieve Butterfly Dementia accreditation and a ‘Good’ Rating from the Care Quality Commission. She said she is always striving to improve.

Emma said: “We are always working on new projects. We are guided by the residents and making their ideas a reality is something that drives us to keep improving. One of the biggest achievements was helping to drive a warm, welcoming culture where residents have a say in making Youell Court feel like home for them. 

“I’m truly grateful to have won this award. The ceremony was fabulous and Floella Benjamin was an inspiration to listen to, she was truly amazing. It was such a special night celebrating women in social care.”

Nikki Thompson is The Salvation Army’s Assistant Director of Older People’s Services and said Emma thoroughly deserved the award.

She added: “Emma has extraordinary vision and never stops seeing what more she can do to improve the home, working with the residents, staff, and families. Emma continues to support her staff, constantly being there for them outside of work and being alongside them at their most difficult times. 

“Emma has shown incredible strength, ability, and intelligence consistently over the last seven years. Older People’s Services are very proud of Emma, and we feel she is truly deserving of winning this award.”

The Salvation Army has 12 residential care homes across The United Kingdom and Ireland. For more information, go to https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/older-people/care-homes