Celebrating Innovation in Health and Social Care: 2024 Insurance Corporation Bursary Winners Announced

For over three decades, Insurance Corporation has proudly supported innovation in health and social care through the annual Health & Social Care Bursary. This initiative encourages staff in the Bailiwick to propose creative solutions that improve health and social care services, and this year’s competition was no exception.

Michelle Steele, HR & PR Executive at Insurance Corporation, reflected on the judging process: ‘This year, shortlisting the impressive applications was a real challenge. However, it was inspiring to hear from our finalists about their innovative ideas and how they aim to positively impact patients, families, and the wider community’.

The 2024 Bursary winners were announced by Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland. Ben Newell and Frances Heaume received the top prize of £3,000 for their project, ‘The ADHD Journey Hub.’ Addressing the significant surge in ADHD referrals to CAMHS, which have risen by 235% since 2021, Ben and Frances aim to develop a website that educates families, demystifies ADHD, and provides local resources and support strategies.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland expressed her enthusiasm: ‘One of the joys of my role is meeting amazing people dedicated to health and social care. The Bursary represents corporate social responsibility at its finest - a local business giving back to its community through its support of innovative projects. Congratulations to all the entrants and winners for their outstanding ideas and commitment’.

Runner-Up and Highly Commended Projects

The runner-up prize was awarded to Victoria Wiskin for her MECSH Programme, which promotes effective communication and play techniques for parents and their children through age-specific sessions. This initiative addresses early childhood development, aiming to prevent long-term challenges by encouraging active engagement in a child’s first year.

Highly commended certificates were also presented to two exceptional projects:

• Outdoor Nordic Walking, by Nigel Harris and Tom Rigby, integrates specially designed walking poles into rehabilitation programs for cardiac and respiratory patients, enhancing recovery while improving fitness and posture.
• CUE - Connecting through Caring, Understanding, Empowering, by Kirsten Heneghan and Kay Fussey, offers sessions to support family caregivers of individuals with dementia, focusing on meaningful activities that build connection, independence, and self-esteem.

Both highly commended projects will also receive full support from Health & Social Care (HSC), recognising their potential to benefit the community.

Driving Innovation in Health and Social Care

Dermot Mullin, Director of Operations at HSC, praised the longstanding partnership with Insurance Corporation: ‘The Bursary Scheme encourages innovation and supports our ongoing commitment to transform health and social care services in Guernsey. Choosing a winner from so many quality applications is always a challenge, and we are grateful to Insurance Corporation for championing this initiative and providing a real opportunity for our team to turn their ideas into reality.