Angela Mooney holding her MBE at Windsor Castle
The manager of the Ashchurch Centre (formerly Options Day Services) and Rivercourt Short Breaks service has received an MBE from Princess Anne for her lifetime of service.
H&F Social Care Manager Angela Mooney received the honour at Windsor Castle on Wednesday (30 March) for her dedication to residents' care, and commitment in meeting pandemic challenges head on.
"It was a brilliant day, everyone was so lovely. Princess Anne was incredibly interested in my work, our disabled residents and their families," said Angela.
A commitment to care
Angela runs the Rivercourt Project Short Breaks service, which she set up 21 years ago. The five-bed centre, rated 'outstanding' by the Care Quality Commission, gives families and carers a break, while offering adults with learning disabilities therapeutic group activities.
She also manages the Ashchurch Centre (formerly Options Day service) for adults with learning disabilities, autism, dementia, and other complex physical and mental health needs. The service provides opportunities for residents to take part in a stimulating activities that combine functional skills and sensory focused activities – and has even included sky-diving!
The MBE also recognises Angela's work in setting up the Linking Hands Enterprise, which she helps to run in her spare time. The social enterprise gives disabled residents and their families and carers new opportunities, interaction, and connections with others, reducing social isolation and loneliness.
Find out more about Angela's work here.
Lifetime of service
Angela was born and grew up in H&F. Her first job was at Charing Cross Hospital, and she's spent most of her career working across social care teams in the borough.
"Princess Anne wanted to talk about respite care and its provisions across the country," said Angela. "She was interested in hearing all about Rivercourt and H&F's social care, including the social enterprises, independent living and work experience opportunities we provide."
She insists that being made an MBE is not about her and wished that she had been able to take her staff from Rivercourt and Ashchurch along to Windsor Castle.
In good company
Angela's commitment to H&F residents is another example of the dedication those in the borough's social care services provide.
Last year social worker Manvir was awarded an MBE for her hard work throughout the pandemic, supporting key workers in the NHS.
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