Date published: June 15, 2021
Shared Lives carers recognised in Queen’s Birthday honours
A couple from North Somerset have been recognised for their services to social care during the pandemic in HM The Queen’s birthday honours. Colin and Jacqui Payne, who live in Weston-super-Mare, have been awarded the British Empire Medal for their work during Covid-19.
Colin and Jacqui have shared their home for the past ten years with people with learning disabilities, supporting them and welcoming them to become part of their household, sharing their daily lives and family activities.
In 2020, when the lockdown was imminent, they prepared themselves and their home so that they could dedicate their lives as full time carers. Colin and Jacqui went into lockdown with the three people they support, providing them with all the personal care, emotional and behavioural support they needed. They spent four months providing specialist and intensive support to the people in their care, night and day, without respite.
Leader of North Somerset Council, Cllr Don Davies, said: “It is hugely satisfying to see Colin and Jacqui recognised for their efforts. They are, like many others across North Somerset, the shining lights of the pandemic going above and beyond on a daily basis to make sure people in need were looked after.
“We are very lucky to have their support as Shared Lives carers and I hope that being recognised in this way at a national level makes them justifiably proud of the tremendous contribution they make in our community.”
