A CARE home group that began in Berrow have scooped two prestigious industry awards.

Homes Caring for Autism has been recognised with two honours, both for outstanding contribution in the Great British Care Awards (GBCAs) for the South West, and in the national LaingBuisson Awards.

Rob Lawrence, a care worker at the Holly Tree Cottage care home in Berrow, also had his contribution acknowledged in the South West GBCAs, where he won the care worker category after saving the life of an individual who had collapsed and was not breathing.

Homes Caring for Autism was founded in 2004 by the company’s managing director Richard Smith.

He re-mortgaged his home and took out a bank loan to pay for the company’s first property in Berrow.

Richard was nominated by his own staff without his knowledge for outstanding contribution in the LaingBuisson Awards, which was presented to him by television presenter and former politician, Michael Portillo, at a gala dinner at the Lancaster Hotel in London.

The nomination read: "Richard’s support is unconditional and selfless.

"He has a natural ability to think creatively to support the challenges faced by people, responding with interest to staff that have had breakthroughs with individuals.

"Full of praise, his face visibly lights up when hearing of achievements, however big or small, encouraging people to celebrate successes; he can often be seen sharing good practice and new ideas when visiting services."

Homes Caring for Autism, which is now based in Weston-super-Mare, runs a total of 11 homes in Somerset, North Somerset and Wiltshire and employs 330 people.

Richard said: "I am delighted to have received two such prestigious awards for my contribution to something that I believe about passionately.

"However, I am also rewarded constantly by seeing the work that is done in our homes and the enormous difference that can be made to the autistic people who we support by understanding their needs, and enabling them to reach their full potential.

"It is a particular pleasure to see Rob recognised for his quick action that greatly enhanced the individual’s chances of surviving and prevented him suffering brain damage.

"Afterwards he followed this through and assisted with comforting the young man by accompanying him in the ambulance.

"Happily, he made a full recovery after the incident."

Richard Smith and Rob Lawrence will now go forward to the national final of the Great British Care Awards, which will be held next year.