The Housing with Care Employer Award

Winner: Housing 21

Housing 21 exemplifies the best qualities of outstanding employers. They balance care for staff and residents, beyond employment, they act as supportive mentors, always willing to go the extra mile. Their unwavering confidence and remarkable dedication shine during challenging times.

Highly commended:  Albany Housing

Victoria Mayne runs a non-profit housing association aiding homeless and needy individuals in Croydon. Compassionate and attentive, she always makes time for clients and staff, She goes above and beyond to ensure everyone’s happiness and safety.

The Integrated Retirement Community Hero Award 

Winner: Liz Jones, Sanctuary Supported Living

Liz’s innovative management of Jazz Court has set a new standard in our sector. She was chosen to replicate her success across our retirement services and her holistic ‘Your Home, Your Life’ approach fosters vibrant, independent lifestyles, prevents social isolation, and ensures resident safety while promoting community connections.

The Care & Support Worker (Independent) Award 

Winner:  Hayley Pickering, The Chestnuts, Creative Support

Passionate about ensuring person-centred care, Hayley has numerous examples of fostering service users’ independence, positively impacting their health and well-being. She combines compassion with creative solutions in every aspect of her care, consistently enhancing the lives of those she supports

Highly commended: The Seeds Care Team, Seeds Care

There has never been a day I haven’t enjoyed being at work.” Seeds find the role challenging yet extremely rewarding, enjoying the support she provides to residents in achieving their goals and living independently. Seeds have true passion and their dedication shines through work, benefiting the team and their ongoing development.

The Care & Support Worker (Not for Profit) Award 

Winner:  Alexandra Reynolds, Sanctuary Supported Living

Alexandra’s outstanding passion and unwavering dedication resonated deeply with the judge, leaving a profound impression. She is a true asset to the sector, exuding utmost respect for both the individuals she supports and her colleagues. A well-deserved victory in this category reflects his exemplary commitment and contribution.

Highly commended: Victoria Wedge, Rivacre House, Making Space

Thoroughly impressed by Victoria’s exceptional dedication and evident compassion. She consistently exceeds expectations, displaying a remarkable commitment to learning and growth. Well done.

The Frontline Leader Award 

Winner: Joanne McMillian, Making Space

Her contagious passion for caregiving ignites enthusiasm among her teams, fostering unity with her visionary approach. Leading by both example and fervour, she steers the ship, instigates change, and upholds the core values driving the purpose of care

Highly Commended: Rachel Jenkins, Creative Support and Christina Bebbington, Exceptional Care

Rachel Jenkins: Since starting in October, Rachel has excelled confident yet approachable, she values her team’s contributions and fosters strong relationships through regular supervision. Rachel’s person-centred care, innovative ideas, and support for both staff and tenants is amazing 

Christina Bebbington, Exceptional Care: Christina embodies frontline leadership, demonstrating unwavering commitment to enhancing care and support in her organisation. Her innovative use of technology and creation of a clinical framework ensure high standards of care. By fostering staff well-being and emotional security, she drives positive change,

The Housing Manager Award 

Winner: Dreena Davies, Making Space

Dreena’s unwavering mission is to elevate Rivacre’s care standards, maintaining ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ ratings. With a decade of leadership, she fosters a culture of support and learning, prioritising resident well-being. Her tireless dedication and expertise ensure excellence, making Rivacre a model of person-centred care and management.

Highly Commended: Donna Whittle, Sanctuary Supported Living

Donna leads a holistic mental health-supported housing service, fostering community integration and preventing crises. Through strategic partnerships and staff training, she ensures high-quality care, facilitating client independence. Donna’s compassionate leadership drives successful client transitions and sustainable tenancies.

The Housing with Care Manager Award 

Winner:  Liam Randles, Sanctuary Supported Living

Liam demonstrates an innovative and pragmatic approach to his role, going above and beyond to ensure that individual residents’ needs are met. This includes supporting taking residents to visit elderly relatives, face timing family and friends and even accommodating painting a bedroom of a resident with chalk paint so the resident could artistically express herself in an accepted and safe manner within.

Highly Commended: Dawn Thornber, Adullam Homes 

Dawn is a delight conveying dedication and empathy to all residents being involved on the ground daily. Dawn has talked to residents with complex needs down from significant crises and works with her team to achieve as much independence for her residence as possible. Truly a listening team.

The Team Leader (Independent) Award 

Winner: Samantha Wade, Beyond Housing

Samantha Wade is the deserving recipient of the Team Leader Award. Her unwavering dedication to Reach & Respond has transformed team dynamics and elevated the standard of care for the customers. Samantha’s strategic initiatives, such as collaborating with the Yorkshire Ambulance Service, exemplify her commitment to community well-being and efficiency in emergency response

Highly Commended: Lorraine Brown, The Gables Residential Care Home

Lorraine’s remarkable ascent from carer to team leader underscores her unwavering commitment to resident care. Her adeptness in person-centred approaches and adaptability to diverse needs set her apart. Lorraine’s infectious positivity fosters an inclusive atmosphere, empowering residents and enriching their quality of life with dignity and respect.

The Team Leader (Not for Profit) Award 

Winner: Georgina Hoare, Housing 21

Georgina was a standout candidate for her outstanding commitment to improving residents’ lives in extra care schemes. Her leadership in implementing the Birdie digital care system reflects her infectious positivity and dedication. Georgina’s organisational skills, approachability, and enthusiasm make her a deserving candidate for this award.

Highly commended: Eric Okuruwa, Horizon Care

Eric’s creative care methods and positive attitude has significantly improved outcomes for those he supports. Through mentorship and partnership, Eric fosters independence and reduces distressful behaviours, demonstrating commendable commitment and leadership.

The Care Team (Independent) Award 

Winner: TH Support Team, Seco Support 

This team has embraced media attention to not only transform the lives of those they support but also challenge societal expectations. Through perseverance and a holistic approach involving both the individual and their family, they foster trust and enable growth. Their focus on celebrating even small achievements highlights their dedication to empowering individuals. Additionally, their emphasis on providing supportive systems allows frontline staff to excel while minimizing undue scrutiny.

Highly commended: Abs Patel, Enabling Lives and Woodgate Park Care Team, Castle Meadow Care 

Enabling lives: This service challenges traditional support methods with a collaborative, joint learning approach. Their commitment to sharing knowledge for broader user benefit is commendable. They prioritise improving opportunities for all users, extending beyond their direct interactions, and setting a commendable example in support provision.

Woodgate Park Care Team:  This service excels in creating an environment that capitalises on individual strengths, fostering innovation and imagination in its support provision.

The Care Team (Not for Profit) 

Winner:  Central CSSO birdie team, Housing 21

While not directly involved in caregiving, this team significantly enhances residents’ and staff members’ quality of life. Judges noted their evident enjoyment and strong bond, which enriches their work. Their operational expertise allows them to effectively advocate for and implement projects, fostering smooth and impactful outcomes. They undoubtedly connect well with both staff and residents, bringing positivity to their tasks.

Highly Commended: Hogshill Gardens, Housing 21

This team deeply valued consistency and communication, understanding their pivotal role in achieving positive outcomes for residents. Their ability to acknowledge and celebrate successes, no matter the scale, underscored their impactful work and the tangible difference they made in the lives of those they supported.

The Housing Team Award  

Winner:  Adullam Homes Denbighshire Project, Adullam Homes Housing Association

An exceptional Housing team that puts people first and is ambitious about making a difference to the outcomes of people living in their own homes. Their generosity also extends to colleagues and other stakeholders sharing knowledge, training and resources because making a difference is their absolute priority.

Highly commended: Team, Albany Housing Trust

This team measures their success with the success of the young people…. this team gives real hope to young people who have experienced homelessness and trauma…..because staff have lived experience!!! The team is laid back, accepting and embraces difference and includes people with babies, pets and couples

The Activities Coordinator Award 

Winner: Puja Gurung, ABClivein Care Limited

Puja radiates energy and dedication in her role as a care coordinator. Her creativity and unwavering commitment shine through as she tirelessly strives to meet the unique needs of her clients, consistently surpassing expectations in her efforts to do so.

Highly commended: Caroline Mane, Adullam Homes Housing Association

Caroline is a remarkable individual who embodies humility in her work. She exudes creativity and innovation as she diligently tackles the challenges of supporting her vulnerable client group, inspiring those around her with her unwavering dedication and determination to make a difference.

The Care Handyman / Person Award is 

Winner: Cy Gad, Nesbit House Care Home, Hamberley Care Homes

When Cy isn’t busy maintaining the building, he transforms into a suave bartender, delighting residents with his expertly crafted cocktails and mocktails. His passion for his work shines through as he volunteers his time to organise community events, such as Halloween nights and themed gatherings. Cy’s dedication over his five-year tenure, especially during the six months he lived in during COVID, makes him a true shining star, significantly enhancing the lives of those in the care home.

Highly commended: David Williams, Bowland View, Housing 21

David’s initiative of launching a gardening club at the supported housing for older people has been a resounding success. With 15 members already, the club has significantly enhanced the lives of residents. From crafting holly wreaths to tending hanging baskets, David’s efforts go beyond his role as a handyman, exemplifying his integral role in brightening residents’ days.

The Chef Award 

Winner: Aneil Manmohan, Nesbit House, Hamberley Care Homes

Aneil’s passion shined in his interview, transcending the typical care home atmosphere to create a restaurant-like ambience. He sources locally, even taking residents to meet suppliers. Regular cooking masterclasses engage residents, offering diverse, nutritious meals tailored to dietary needs. Outstanding events like BBQs and fine dining enhance residents’ experiences.

Highly commended: The Kitchen Team, The Gables Residential Care Home

Ann’s commitment is commendable. Weekly, she ensures residents’ needs are met, actively seeking feedback. Responding to suggestions, she’s opened invitations to the local community for resident interaction. Addressing another need, a meals-on-wheels service was initiated. Ann also organises regular resident events, enriching their living experience

The Garden Landscaper Award 

Winner: Katie Kempson, Gradwell Park Retirement Village 

Katie was very passionate about her role and discussed in detail the importance of supporting clients with the gardens of the home. Her dedication to sustainability is evident through initiatives like adopting bees, implementing green waste recycling, and mobilizing our allotment. Katie’s monthly gardening club fosters residents’ passion for nature, while her planned gardening week showcases her commitment to environmental stewardship.

The Housekeeper Award 

Winner: Karen Cowley, Annette Bone, Karen Phillips, Knaves Court Housing 21

The housekeepers at Knaves Court exemplify dedication and innovation, consistently exceeding expectations. Their commitment to resident well-being goes beyond their duties, reflected in their thoughtful interactions and the operation of a beloved on-site shop. Their proactive approach and attention to detail leave a lasting positive impression on service users.

Highly Commended: The Team at Baskeyfield House, Sanctuary Supported Living

The housekeeping team at Baskeyfield House sets a gold standard in cleanliness, seamlessly integrating advanced equipment to improve efficiency without compromising quality. Their meticulous attention to detail creates a homely environment, fostering a sense of community

The Housing Developer Award 

Winner: Rangeford Villages

The retirement villages epitomize innovation and sustainability, seamlessly blending modern technology with environmental consciousness. Designed with homeowners’ well-being in mind, they offer convenience and security. Indigenous materials and biodiverse gardens enhance aesthetics, while amenities like self-serve shops and electric vehicles promote independent living, earning praise from residents and judges alike.

The Outreach Community Service Award 

Winner:  Hans Morano, SLS- Supported Living Services

Hans exudes passion in everything he undertakes, particularly when discussing the individuals he supports. His genuine enthusiasm is evident and inspiring, marking him as a true gentleman of inspiration.

Highly Commended: Phillippa Lunn, Blue Sunrise Care LTD (Compton View and The Gables)

Pippa’s compassionate and dedicated demeanour truly shines as she discusses her work. Her passion and inspiration are palpable, making her an exceptional and inspiring individual to engage with.

The Supported Housing Innovation Award

Winner:  Oak Lodge, Sanctuary Supported Living

This stands as a remarkable testament to innovation! Norfolk’s forward-thinking funding, coupled with Sanctuary’s innovative strategies, have tangibly improved the lives of those supported. Thanks to enhanced technological opportunities, 9 out of 11 residents are now gainfully employed, demonstrating the direct impact of this initiative.

 Highly Commended: Laura Firth and Karen Zaremba and team, Housing 21

Housing 21 undertook a transformative 2-year journey to implement a digital support planning, rostering, and care tool across all their services. Their unique approach, inclusive of all stakeholders, and continuous learning at every stage set a new standard for innovation in similar projects.

The Workforce Development Award 

Winner:  Sheela Antony, CHosen Care Group Limited

Sheela showcased exemplary professionalism in her training programs, emphasizing the career opportunities within the care sector. The “Bring Your Mum to Training” initiative was particularly engaging and innovative.

 Highly Commended: Jamie-Lee Roach, Exceptional Care

Jamie-Lee excels in fostering employee development within the business, passionately advocating for each individual’s journey towards realising their full potential.

The Tenant Co-production Award 

Winner:  Ashwood Court, Making Space

Ashwood Court embodies co-production in putting its people at the very heart of initiatives. Their Making it Real approach enables the residents to choose how to improve their daily lives, attain personal goals and be involved in the evaluation, planning and delivery of activities within the residence and the wider community.

Highly Commended: Whispers Forum, Iris Care Group – Supported Living

Embracing co-production as a fundamental ethos. This exemplifies person-centric care, where service users actively shape their care plans to align with their unique needs and preferences.

The Lifetime Achievement Award 

Winner:  Lynne Griffin, Richmond Village

Lynne’s journey at Richmond Nantwich began in 1996 as Deputy Manager, evolving into the esteemed Village Manager role. With over 28 years dedicated to Richmond Villages, Lynne embodies unwavering commitment. Her financial prowess ensures Nantwich thrives as a business. Lynne’s philanthropic efforts, raising over £60,000 for charities, reflect her compassionate leadership. Congratulations.