Great British Home Care Awards announce national winners

The winners of the Great British Home Care Awards have been announced after a ceremony, attended by over 500 people from the social care sector, took place last Friday.

Winners of the nine regional Great British Care Awards, which took place in August 2013, made up the shortlist of potential winners at the national event run in association with Specsavers Healthcall and hosted by United Kingdom Home Care Association (UKHCA.)

There were 14 categories celebrating the many different areas of home care ranging from the work of front line staff to those delivering specialist training and care.

Bridgett Warr, chief executive of UKHCA, said: “Whatever the weather and whatever else is happening in the world, every day and in every corner of the country, homecare workers are out and about - often unnoticed - providing the vital care and support that enables so many people to live independently in their own homes.

“The Great British Care Awards play an important role in recognising and celebrating truly outstanding individuals in the homecare workforce, who through their skills, dedication and commitment are making a real difference to people’s lives.”

This year the awards supported the Care Workers Charity, a care sector charity which provides support and assistance to current, former and retired care workers experiencing financial hardship or sickness.

The Great British Home Care Awards was supported by many key organisations from within the sector including the Department of Health, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) and the Alzheimer's Society.

Lisa Carr, director of the Great British Care Awards said: “This is the fifth year we have held the national finals and we have once again been overwhelmed by the enthusiasm from our industry. The awards offer a unique opportunity to celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and businesses throughout the UK - people who really do make a positive impact on people’s lives.

“During these testing economic times social care has once again suffered the impact of associated adversity – the awards are a positive way of raising motivation within our social care workforce and indeed the profile of the sector as a whole.”

The care newcomer award was won by Carla Hainsworth of Carefound Homecare in York, after she was named the winner of the regional Yorkshire and Humberside Care Awards.

Oliver Stirk, director of Carefound Home Care, said: “We are extremely proud that Carla has won this award and achieved national recognition for the amazing work she does in supporting her elderly clients at home. From the outset she has demonstrated a natural ability in delivering specialist care, particularly when it comes to helping clients and families experiencing dementia.”

click here for more details or to contact Carefound Home Care (Harrogate)