Putting People We Work For First Award - Seona Thatcher

Seona Thatcher was named joint winner of the Putting People We Work For First Award, recognising nearly 25 years of dedicated service and her unwavering commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred support.

As a Personal Assistant with Enable Cares, Seona is committed to ensuring the people she supports remain at the centre of every decision. Her recognition reflects a career defined by consistency, professionalism and a determination to go above and beyond.

Despite being recognised for her contributions, Seona is quick to shift the focus away from herself and onto the people around her.

“I felt a bit embarrassed being singled out, if I’m honest,” she said. “I don’t do the job for recognition - I do it because I care about the people I support and the team I work with.”

That commitment has been the driving force behind her career. Reflecting on what has kept her motivated for so many years, Seona points to the relationships she has built with both colleagues and the people she supports.

“I’ve been in this role a long time, and what’s kept me here is the people - both the individuals we support and the colleagues I work alongside every day,” she explained. “We’ve got a really strong team, and that’s what makes the difference.”

For Seona, great support starts with understanding the individual. Through years of experience, she has learnt that patience, empathy and adaptability are essential to helping people achieve their goals.

“Something that worked yesterday might not work today,” she said, “so you have to be patient and keep trying. It’s about understanding the person in front of you and being willing to try again and again until something works. The longer you support someone, the more you understand them - even the smallest expressions or sounds can tell you what they need,” she said. “That relationship is everything.”

Alongside supporting individuals, Seona has also become a trusted source of guidance for colleagues, sharing her knowledge and helping to build a supportive team culture.

“I’ve found myself naturally supporting other staff over the years,” she said. “The more we share knowledge and communicate as a team, the better we can support people.”

Reflecting on the moments that have stayed with her, Seona highlights the difference person-centred support can make in helping people experience new opportunities and grow in confidence.

“Helping people experience things they’ve never had the chance to before — like supporting someone to go abroad for the first time and seeing how much joy that brought them - is incredible to be part of.

For Amanda Begley, Team Facilitator for Enable Cares, Seona's impact is evident in both the support she provides and the guidance she offers to colleagues.

“Seona consistently goes above and beyond in her role, demonstrating a genuine commitment to both her colleagues and the people we support,” Amanda said. “Always approachable and supportive, Seona takes time to mentor colleagues, sharing her knowledge and encouraging confidence and growth. What truly sets Seona apart is her unwavering focus on putting the people we support first.”

The Putting People We Work For First Award recognises colleagues who embody Enable’s values in their everyday practice, and Seona’s recognition reflects the trust, compassion and dedication she has demonstrated throughout nearly 25 years of service.