Rachel Maponga has been awarded "Outstanding Adult Learner 2004“ by Tameside College whilst working full time as a Care Assistant at Sandon House Care Centre, for the Meridian Healthcare group.

Rachel Maponga of Mossley received her award certificate and gift from Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Margaret Downs. The ceremony was held at Tameside College on Wednesday 19 May. Rachel was chosen for her commitment to lifelong learning and dedicated hard work during her degree course study. Her tutor at Tameside College, Jemma Yarwood has been amazed at how she has studied and worked at the same time.

Rachel works as a Care Assistant at Meridian Healthcare’s Sandon House in Mossley. In her Vote of Thanks speech to the college, Rachel thanked Irene Booth, Sandon House Care Centre Manager and Meridian Healthcare for supporting her during her first year of study by providing a flexible approach to working hours.

It is a real tribute to Rachel that she can successfully add continuing education to her work and personal commitments‘ says Lorraine Mercer, HR Manager at Meridian Healthcare.

Rachel is working towards her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Health and Social Care and hopes to continue her work with the elderley in the borough.

Ends.
Photograph: Rachel Maponga – Care Assistant at Sandon House, Councillor Margaret Downs - The Worshipful The Civic Mayor of Tameside 2003/4.

Notes to editor: • Meridian Healthcare has two trading divisions, Tameside Care and Meridian Care which combined employ over 750 people providing residential and nursing care services as well as day care and Meals on Wheels provision
• Sandon House is one of 13 Care centres operated by Tameside Care in the Tameside Metropolitan Borough – the latest being Stamford Court in Stalybridge.
• Adult Learners Week is a national campaign, which recognises the barriers that adults face whilst considering lifelong learning.
• The Adult Learners awards were presented during Adult Learners Week 2004.
• The award is presented to only 35 students out of 10,000 who study at Tameside College each year.

For further information please contact:
Tessa Matthews, Marketing Consultant, Meridian Healthcare
tmatthews@meridiancare.co.uk
0161 368 9099/07740 708 928