The Care Home Employer Award
Caring & Leading Group
A clear gold thread of support and respect for colleagues ran through everything they described. Their focus on nurturing staff, championing wellbeing and creating a collaborative environment shows genuine dedication to building a strong, united and valued team.
Strong Life Care
The value they place on people shone through every aspect of their approach. Their commitment to supporting, developing and investing in their colleagues was unmistakable.
The Home Care Employer Award
Advantage Healthcare
Advantage Healthcare has been described by the CQC as carefully matching clients and carers to ensure the best possible experience for everyone. Their thoughtful, person-centred approach creates strong relationships, high satisfaction and an outstanding home care service.
Bellevie
Bellevie demonstrates the power of self-managing teams in creating a positive, supportive workplace. By empowering staff to make decisions and take ownership, they have fostered a culture of collaboration, respect and excellence.
The Care Home Worker Award
Marc Harrison, Three Bridges Care
Marc’s journey from the prison service to becoming a support worker was inspirational. His passion and deep commitment to the children he supports shone through in every answer. His desire to make a difference is unmistakable and hearing his story was a privilege. The children he cares for are incredibly fortunate to have him.
Michelle Rough, Enhanced Elderly Care Limited
Michelle is an extremely experienced care worker who does not always recognise her own strengths. Her dedication and belief in her role are clear, and through her commitment she has helped transform an underperforming service into a much stronger and more positive environment. She is a wonderful role model.
The Home Care Worker Award
Carli Marshall, Newcastle City Council Community Reablement
Carli is recognised for her genuine warmth, dignity and person-centred approach. Her positivity and patience help people rebuild confidence and independence. She gives everything to her role and is an inspiring ambassador for home care.
Olumide Dada, Blossom Home Care
Olumide brings kindness, professionalism and empowerment to every person he supports. His calm approach, strong values and dedication to learning create dignity, confidence and meaningful impact.
The Care Home Newcomer Award
Marc Harrison, Three Bridges Care
Marc moved from the prison service into children’s care after recognising how early intervention could change lives. His decision, driven by compassion and purpose, stands out as courageous and inspirational.
Roma Lee, Potens
Roma brings joy, connection and confidence through creative events such as disco nights, pyjama days and karaoke sessions. These activities have helped people feel comfortable joining shared spaces and have enriched daily life within the service.
The Home Care Newcomer Award
Eryn Upton, Blossom Home Care
Eryn embraces every challenge with enthusiasm. She values each client’s individuality and approaches every visit with dedication, positivity and adaptability, making a real difference in their lives.
Nikki Nugent, Newcastle City Council
Nikki’s warmth, professionalism and compassion shine through. Her empathy, teamwork and commitment to person-centred care provide comfort and confidence, and she exemplifies excellence in rehabilitation support.
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Emma Tyreman, Shoreline Nursing Home, Hornby Health Care
Emma demonstrates exceptional leadership and genuine compassion. Her innovative approach, commitment to person-centred care and focus on residents’ happiness are evident in everything she does. She balances strong compliance with creativity, continuously enriching daily life for residents.
Ashleigh Yilmaz, Cygnet Health Care
Ashleigh shows strong leadership and deep dedication to person-centred care. She drives continuous improvement, champions high clinical standards and promotes inclusivity through cultural events and meaningful engagement.
The Home Care Registered Manager Award
Kerry Parker, Everyday Care UK
Kerry is a motivational leader who prioritises person-centred outcomes. Her dedication ensures individuals can remain safely and happily in their own homes, demonstrating exceptional leadership and impact.
Roberta Chapman, Blossom Home Care
Roberta is an inspiring professional, committed to delivering personalised and outstanding care. Her passion and determination elevate the quality of support for every client.
The Dignity in Care Award
Amanda Holmes, Solutions 4 Health
Amanda champions dignity-led care, transforming sexual health support for people with learning disabilities. Her approach promotes autonomy, respect and inclusion, ensuring equitable access and a dignified model of support.
Zoe Storie, Careline Lifestyles
Zoe works in a complex care environment where she champions dignity and safeguarding. She advocates for clients and staff, promotes family inclusion and fosters independence with passion and innovation.
Mercy Ibukun, Cygnet Healthcare
Mercy’s passion for her service users is clear. Her joy in her work, her warmth and her consistent commitment make a significant and positive impact.
The Dementia Carer Award
Julie Barker, Enhanced Elderly Care Limited
Julie brings joy and compassion to every day. Her dedication to improving the lives of people with dementia inspires colleagues and residents alike. Her passion for care and leadership is infectious.
Julie McMahon, Anchor
Julie has a calm, reassuring presence and a genuine passion for caring. She builds meaningful relationships with residents and creates a sense of trust and comfort in their daily lives.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Michael Robson, Enhanced Elderly Care
This winner combines essential practical skills with emotional awareness. As the home’s Birthday Champion, they create gentle celebrations and moments of companionship that mean a great deal to residents.
Dave Lee, Bondcare
Initially offering help in retirement, this nominee found a new purpose in social care. They build strong relationships with male residents and encourage conversations that are rarely easy but always valuable.
The Care Home Activities Organiser Award
Kim Cleasby, Bond Care
Kim revitalised activities, created a thriving coffee shop space, strengthened community links and supports every team. Her creativity, commitment and positivity significantly enrich the daily experience of residents.
Hayley Ainsley, Bond Care
Hayley delivers personalised, meaningful activities and shows remarkable compassion. She supports residents emotionally, helps fulfill their wishes and brings dedication and positivity to enhance wellbeing.
Helen Wilkinson, Kara Healthcare
Helen demonstrates genuine humility, consistently crediting her team while also reflecting the shared effort that creates a positive environment. She represents her colleagues with authenticity and grace.
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Vikki Rookes, Community Reablement
Vikki’s compassion, innovation and leadership demonstrate her dedication to person-centred care. Her teamwork, empathy and commitment to improving lives exemplify excellence.
Lindsay Taylor, Stockton on Tees Borough Council
Lindsay’s dedication, experience and compassionate leadership promote excellence in reablement care. Her focus on inclusion and professional growth makes her an outstanding role model.
The Care Home Cook and Chef Award
Amanda Bell, Barchester Healthcare
Amanda’s passion for her role shines immediately. Her energy, warmth and commitment leave a lasting impression and demonstrate her deep care for residents.
Craig Levitt Anderson, Popular Care
Craig’s enthusiasm, skill and heart were clear throughout the conversation. He creates food with passion and joy, making a meaningful difference every day.
The Care Home Team Award
Byker Lodge, Newcastle City Council
Byker Lodge creates joy, purpose and connection every day. Their team brings energy, compassion and creativity to dementia support, helping residents rediscover confidence and enthusiasm. They cultivate a strong sense of community and consistently demonstrate outstanding care, dedication and heart.
Welford Centre, Newcastle City Council
The Welford Centre stands out for its dedication, innovation and joy in care. Their passionate team champions inclusion and empowerment, creating meaningful opportunities for people to thrive.
The Home Care Team Award
Laura Craker and Team, Community Reablement Newcastle City Council
An exceptional team with a positive, can-do attitude. They turn barriers into opportunities, enabling people to live fulfilling lives at home. Their dedication and creativity make them an excellent example of person-centred care.
The Team, Blossom Home Care Durham
A remarkable team where nothing is too much or too difficult. Every task is approached with a smile, professionalism and unwavering commitment, creating a positive and supportive environment for clients and colleagues.
The Care Innovator Award
Nitesh Somani, Kara Healthcare
Nitesh presented bold ideas, innovative thinking and a strong appreciation for his staff. Every process he described was thoughtful, evidence-based and impactful. His passion, energy and stories made for an inspiring and memorable conversation.
Blossom Home Care Team, Blossom Home Care
Their passion, teamwork and values-led approach shone throughout the judging process. Their unity, commitment and warmth highlight a team delivering exceptional work every day.
The Frontline Leaders Award
Lee Sinclair, Bondcare
Lee’s passion for care is extraordinary. With 22 years of dedication, he consistently puts residents and staff first. During COVID, he sacrificed personal time to protect others and support his team. His compassion, commitment and drive for excellence inspire everyone around him.
Tracey Dunn, Blossom Home Care
Tracey is a humble and supportive leader who always puts her team and clients first. Her compassion, consistency and high standards set her apart. She leads by example and inspires confidence in those around her.
Terri Carr, Newcastle City Council
Terri brings passion, patience and compassion to her work. She advocates strongly for residents and ensures high-quality care through her knowledge, dedication and warmth.
The Care Assessor Award
Joanna Fitzpatrick, Blossom Home Care
Joanna delivers compassionate, person-centred assessments rooted in genuine understanding. Her warmth, humour and clarity stand out, ensuring every care plan reflects the individual behind it.
Suzanne Yates, Stockton on Tees Borough Council
Suzanne listens, learns and connects. Her passion for accurate, person-centred assessment shone despite her nerves. Her natural warmth made her a pleasure to speak with, and her clients benefit greatly from her dedication.
The Three R’s Award
Nick Somani, Kara Healthcare
Nick has built a culture where staff feel valued, supported and able to grow. With less than 3 percent turnover across 800 employees and more than 30 percent staying over ten years, he shows that investing in people leads to outstanding care.
Laura Craker and Team, Community Reablement
Laura and her team demonstrate dedication, resilience and compassionate leadership. They support colleagues through challenges, maintain high-quality reablement across Newcastle and foster a culture where staff feel genuinely valued.
The Workforce Development Award
Kelly Stretch and Isabel Cockerham, Lifeways
Kelly and Isabel are passionate leaders in positive behaviour support. They drive their team’s success through coaching and guidance, always putting others first. Their support enables individuals to thrive and live fulfilling lives.
Dan Formby, BelleVie Care
Dan is dedicated to developing staff and improving outcomes. He collaborates with training providers to create bespoke programmes and ensures individuals receive opportunities to live meaningful lives. His leadership inspires those around him.
The Putting People First Award
Neil Young, Cygnet Healthcare
Neil’s care and dedication shine in every interaction. Beyond maintaining Oaklands, he supports residents with warmth, respect and understanding. His compassion and teamwork make him an invaluable presence.
Claire Pye, Popular Care
Claire’s compassion, resilience and dedication are evident in her work. Through her person-centred approach, she uplifts residents and colleagues, promoting dignity and independence.
The Palliative Carer Award
Tiahna Wilson, Independent
At only 19, Tiahna has spent half her life caring for her grandparents. From age 12 she sacrificed her childhood, education and friendships to provide loving care. Despite profound loss, she demonstrates courage and compassion that inspire everyone around her.
Lindsay Stoker, Enhanced Elderly Care Ltd
With 25 years of experience, Lindsay has transformed palliative care. As Dementia Manager for more than 250 residents, she pioneers innovative practice and collaborative partnerships. Her compassion and expertise create a culture of dignity and meaningful care.
The Social Care Nurse Award
Kelvin Onoja, Bondcare
Kelvin is an impressive social care nurse who began his career in A&E in Nigeria before finding his calling in social care. His values, approach and dedication to person-centred care are truly inspiring.
Anne Connelly, Hornby Health Care
Anne’s passion for social care nursing stands out. She consistently goes above and beyond, ensuring residents feel safe, happy and valued through her warmth and commitment.
The Co-Production Award
Sophie Sayer, Lifeways
Sophie demonstrates excellence in co-production, empowering individuals through compassion, innovation and strong advocacy. She redefines Positive Behaviour Support and sets a benchmark for inclusive, person-centred care.
The Unpaid Carer Award
Sheila Beattie, Stockton on Tees Borough Council
Sheila’s selflessness and compassion shine through her caring roles. Her dedication, empathy and advocacy ensure dignity and independence for those she supports.
Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Diane Crowther, Bondcare
Diane’s dedication, commitment and professionalism are evident in all she does. She leads with compassion and purpose, inspiring those around her and setting high standards of care.
Kirsty Nealis, Careline Lifestyles Ltd
Kirsty demonstrates exceptional dedication and care. Her commitment to excellence, positive attitude and warmth make a meaningful difference, supporting her team and clients with passion and professionalism.
