Winners of the Great South West Care Awards 2010 announced (Part 1)

On Friday 5th November the Old Passenger Shed in Bristol, provided a spectacular backdrop for the finals of the inaugural Great South West Care Awards, where the sixteen category winners were announced.

The Great South West Care Awards, supported by the Department of Health and HET Software, are part of the Great British Care Awards, a series of regional awards which celebrates excellence in social care and pay tribute to those who work in the sector throughout England. The awards are all inclusive, bringing together the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors, as well as unpaid carers; promoting joint working.

The Great South West Care Awards have received nominations and support from all corners of the sector. Sector support includes the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS), the Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), Skills for Care, Ceretas and the English Community Care Association. Local Authority support and commercial organisations are also supporting the awards. Caring UK magazine is the media partner.

There were a total of sixteen awards categories available for nomination, which represent all areas of the care sector, whether it be older people or specialist services and from frontline staff such as care workers and care managers to people who have made an impact in other ways such as training, specialist care in areas such as demntia and innovation.

Nominations came in from all corners of the sector and the region and successful candidates invited for interview for infront of a panel of sector experts. The gala award evening started in style with a champagne reception, followed by a superb gourmet dinner and the awards presentation with Shaun Williamson from East Enders and Extras fame, and dancing into the night.

Winners from the awards will be invited to attend the national finals for either the home care or care home sector which will take place in May and June 2011 at the prestigious Royal Courts of Justice in London.

The awards support a chosen charity, The Maggie’s Centre, which has sites across the country supporting people who lives have been impacted upon by cancer.

In addition an auction for the Care Professionals Benevolent Fund was held - the prize, a jeroboam of French rose wine The Care Professionals Benevolent Fund is the registered charity for the Care Sector and are here to support current, former and retired care professionals, by providing assistance to relieve financial hardship or sickness.

Lisa Carr, Director of the Great British Care Awards said,

“We are delighted to be staging the Great South West Care Awards for the very first time. The care awards are goning from strength to strength with this year’s regional events attracting the crème de la crème from the social care workforce. The support from sector partners has been overwhelming and the quality and sheer nominations has been astounding.

These awards recognise and pay tribute to the efforts and dedication of all those who work tirelessly to ensure that so many people are able to live independent lives in their own home. They are the perfect showcase to reflect on best practice in the social care sector. A sector where people truly dedicate themselves to their work and take pride in their achievements.

The people of the South West are incredibly fortunate to have such dedicated people caring for the vulnerable and elderly members of their communities. Congratulations to everyone this evening – everyone here is a winner!”

The winners of the Great South West Care Awards, together with the judges comments are detailed below:

The Care Employer Award WINNER – Ian Salter & Sharon Workman – Aspirations Care Ltd – Weymouth - Dorset

The judges were unanimous in choosing Aspirations Care. They demonstrated a real passion for their services. Their motivation was infectious and they had genuine compassion for the service users. In Sharon and Ian’s words ‘they are privileged to support some amazing people’.

The Care Home Worker Award WINNER – Becky Johnson – Tovic Care – Sherbourne - Dorset

Becky demonstrated passion for her work and a willingness for all care from all staff to be delivered in a right way. The judges felt that Becky shared great ambition and drive which is why she is a wonderful ambassador for this category.

The Home Care Worker Award WINNER – Jessica Scott – Platinum Plus Healthcare Ltd – Torquay - Devon

Jessica’s passion for care and commitment to her service users was evident. Incredibly professional and career driven, Jessica showed a tremendous insight into care, recognising professional boundaries, supporting service users and colleagues alike.

The Care Newcomer Award WINNER – Kaisei Evans – Brandon Care Ltd – Exmouth - Devon

Kaisei really understood what dignity and care is about and was able to articulate that well. Someone who is not afraid to challenge her practice and drive up standards. Kaisei advocates for service users.