Outstanding carers honoured at Dignity in Care Awards

The dedication, kindness and extraordinary care shown by local professional carers took centre stage at the Dignity in Care Awards at York House on Friday 3 July. 

With more than 144 nominations across five categories, the judges said it was challenging to select winners from the many heart-warming and inspiring stories.  

Councillor Piers Allen, Lead Member for Adult Social Care and Health and the Chair of Richmond's Health and Wellbeing Board said:

"Our borough is full of kind, dedicated and compassionate people supporting some of the most vulnerable members of our community. These awards are our opportunity to thank them, recognise their professionalism and celebrate their remarkable commitment to making a difference every day. 

"We are committed to upholding the quality of care and the positive experience for our residents receiving home support, living in care homes and using community services and the awards also aim to inspire local care workers and personal assistants to deliver outstanding care and support."

The Dignity in Care Awards promote and recognises the best in care and rewards those staff and teams who make a difference and go the extra mile. 

Rachel Soni, Director of Commissioning and Quality Standards in the Council's Adult Social Care and Public Health Directorate, said: 
 
"Our Dignity in Care Awards are about celebrating the care and support provided by professional carers. For many, it is not just a job or work, but a vocation and they do it with such care and kindness. 

"We're proud to work with such dedicated carers and this is an opportunity to celebrate them for their compassion, commitment, and the many ways they go above and beyond for our residents. The number of nominations received is a testament to our care providers and the quality of service that they provide."

70 runners-up, winners, their supporters, and providers celebrated the awards and heard many stories about the adaptability, resilience and kindness of carers, and the profound impact they have on people's lives.

Carers were recognised for going above and beyond their role, including picking up furniture and arranging to go to an exhibition. This was alongside the day-to-day emotional support and taking the time to listen and understand the person they’re caring for.

The nominations highlighted carers providing meaningful experiences and making a positive difference in the lives of the people they care for during some of the most challenging times in their lives and the lives of their families.

Carers were awarded across the following categories: 

• Carer of the Year for Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
• Carer of the Year for Community and Day Services
• Carer of the Year for Home Support
• Carer of the Year for Older People’s Care Homes
• Ken Yew Personal Assistant of the Year

Congratulations to all this year’s nominees, runners-up and winners.

Richmond Council is also dedicated to recognising unpaid carer’s, with the Adults and Young Adults Carer's Charter. Local organisations can sign up to the Charter to pledge their support for unpaid carers across our borough caring for a loved one or friend.