31st July 2024
Sanctuary Supported Living
![Three white women in evening dresses, two standing and one sitting in front, smiling for the camera and holding a glass trophy award. Three white women in evening dresses, two standing and one sitting in front, smiling for the camera and holding a glass trophy award.](/sites/default/files/styles/image_block/public/2024-07/staff-award-winners-tanya-keeling-imogen-tucker-jean-goodliffe.jpg?itok=bVvwA4ca)
Imogen celebrating her Sanctuary Stars award win with colleagues Tanya Keeling and Jean Goodliffe.
An Exeter supported housing worker has been named as the winner of her employer’s national staff awards, after being recognised for her dedication to supporting people who are experiencing homelessness in the area.
Imogen Tucker, 19, who is Deputy Local Service Manager at Sanctuary Supported Living’s Howell Road supported housing service, won the ‘Bright Beginnings’ category for newer members of staff at the company’s recent staff awards, against tough competition from new colleagues from across Sanctuary.
Imogen was nominated for her enthusiasm, dedication and calm, can-do attitude, when working in extremely difficult circumstances, and supporting clients who are living on the streets - many of whom have complex physical and mental health needs.
The awards were judged by members of Sanctuary’s executive team, including Group Chief Executive, Craig Moule. The judges were especially impressed with the way Imogen has approached some particularly challenging situations, including dealing with several instances of clients experiencing overdoses, leading to her performing CPR, administering the anti-overdose medication Naloxone, and supporting the clients while waiting for an ambulance.
The ’Sanctuary Stars’ award winners were announced at a ceremony held in Birmingham. The ceremony was opened by an inspiring speech from Baroness Floella Benjamin, who then presented Imogen and the other winners with their awards.
"I couldn’t believe it when they said my name – it was such a surprise!"
Imogen said: “I couldn’t believe it when they said my name – it was such a surprise! I’m honoured to have won this award, it really means a lot that the judges believed in me. I love my job and I’m so proud to be able to make a difference to people’s lives every day.”
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As well as supporting homeless adults, Sanctuary Supported Living also provides accommodation with personalised support for homeless young people, people with learning or physical disabilities, people with mental health needs, and, retirement communities for those aged over 55 or with long-term care needs. To find out more about Sanctuary Supported Living’s services, see the latest news or find a service near you.