The Housing with Care Employer Award

Winner: Sanctuary Supported Living
With 2,500 colleagues, maintaining clear and open communication is challenging, but SSL manages it exceptionally well. Their commitment to transparency keeps staff informed, valued, and engaged at all levels. Many examples show how this culture empowers teams to deliver outstanding care, proving that staff dedication truly makes the difference.

Highly Commended: Horizon Care
Horizon Care has transformed service delivery through innovative staff reskilling and a culture rooted in empathy, always asking, “Would my family be happy?” Their leadership fosters empowerment, collaboration, and outstanding outcomes within a specialist mental health and learning disability service.

The Care and Support Worker Award (Independent)

Winner: Makeda Willis, Engage Support
An exceptional professional who consistently goes above and beyond, attentively addressing all her clients’ needs. Her passion and innovative approach shine through, reflecting deep personal and professional commitment. She excels in collaboration, demonstrating strong co-production skills to improve the lives of those she supports.

Highly Commended: Shaneel Teeha, Supported Living Services
Shaneel is passionate and ambitious about making a difference. Recently promoted, he actively engages in charity work and volunteering, dedicating his time to raising awareness and supporting important causes.

The Care and Support Worker Award (Not for Profit)

Winner: Nichola Sutton, Making Space
Nichola has demonstrated outstanding dedication, positivity, and commitment to improving care. Going above and beyond comes naturally to her—she always gives 100%. Remarkably humble when asked to reflect on her achievements, she has every reason to be proud. This recognition is truly well deserved.

Highly Commended: Peter Olayinka, Supported Living Services
Peter has dedicated much of his career to delivering care in the community, always placing the residents he supports at the heart of everything he does. His hands-on approach and passion for his role shine through in the quality of care he provides. Well done, Peter – keep up the fantastic work!

The Frontline Leader Award

Winner: Ashliegh Lonsdale, Blue Ribbon
Ashliegh understands the importance of taking it step by step, building a deep understanding of everyone’s needs, and supporting them without diluting their quality of life. As she says, “There must be a way; there is always a way if you are patient, even if it’s sometimes a long-term goal.”

Highly Commended: Richard Tobin, Storyy Group
Richard’s incredible journey is marked by determination, strength, personal growth, and the power of external support and belief. His story inspires those around him and reflects the resilience required in social care.

The Housing Manager Award

Winner: Ruth Gipson Sanderson & Rebecca Warren, Handyside Court, Housing 21
Ruth and Becky have shown outstanding dedication to creating a warm, supportive, and truly person-centred environment at Handyside Court. Their approach reflects deep compassion, professionalism, and teamwork, all of which have a meaningful impact on the daily lives of residents. Their ability to provide both practical and emotional support ensures residents feel valued, safe, and at home.

Highly Commended: Roda Jeylani, Options Autism
Roda is a passionate and skilled housing leader whose background in clinical care enriches her person-centred approach. Her work supporting residents with complex needs stands out for its sensitivity and focus on independence and inclusion. Roda’s efforts to build trust and improve wellbeing, especially through culturally responsive care, highlight her strong values and dedication to holistic housing support.

The Housing with Care Manager Award

Winner: Tammy Bonas, Greta Cottage Ltd & Seaview Care Home
Tammy is a knowledgeable and dedicated manager with a strong passion for developing her team and improving care quality. Her leadership focuses on person-centred care, ensuring residents are always at the heart of the service. Under her guidance, the service feels like a warm, welcoming home where safety, dignity, and compassion come first.

Highly Commended: Robin Thakoree, DRS Care Home
Robin delivers exceptional service, empowering residents and service users to achieve greater independence. Through tailored, goal-specific care pathways, they support individuals in gradually reducing their care needs, promoting long-term independence whenever possible.

The Team Leader Award (Independent)

Winner: Leanne Nimmo, Beech Tree Total Care
Leanne is an inspirational leader in Adult Social Care. Her commitment to excellence empowers her team to deliver outstanding outcomes for those they support and the wider organisation. Leading with compassion and purpose, Leanne’s dedication to end-of-life care brings dignity and comfort to individuals and families during challenging moments. She exemplifies the best of leadership in care.

Highly Commended: Katie Orrell, Adullam Homes Housing Association
A truly passionate team leader! In her short time with the service, Katie has significantly reduced incidents, fostered an inclusive environment, and made a meaningful difference in many lives. She and her team are also tackling a 10k run to raise funds for mental health services supporting their residents.

The Team Leader Award (Not for Profit)

Winner: Michelle Dooley, Alternative Futures Group
Michelle demonstrates genuine passion and commitment to her role. She cares deeply for her clients and the support they receive, while also empowering and supporting her team. AFG is fortunate to have such a dedicated and inspiring leader who has devoted her life to helping others.

Highly Commended: Knaves Court, Housing 21
The Knaves Court team has demonstrated outstanding dedication to improving care through strong leadership, consistent support, and a clear commitment to excellence. Their passion for empowering staff and enhancing the lives of service users is both inspiring and impactful.

The Senior Leader Award

Winner: Dawn Thornber, Adullam Homes Housing Association
Dawn’s exceptional leadership and dedication have transformed homeless services across the Northwest. She inspires her team with unwavering positivity and commitment, going above and beyond to support vulnerable individuals and champion the life-changing impact of her work.

Highly Commended: Linda Ribbands, SJOG
Linda’s remarkable career is defined by compassion and innovation. She has been a tireless advocate for improving supported living environments, pioneering models that create inclusive, community-focused care for people with complex needs.

The Care Team Award (Independent)

Winner: Michael Lundy and Team, Venture People
A truly impactful service that has delivered significant benefits to its clients, particularly within a group that is often overlooked. The team’s fluid, dedicated, and innovative approach is both effective and inspiring. Their commitment to thorough, forward-thinking staff development sets a strong example for the sector.

Highly Commended: Tiffany Hunt & Team, Rangeford Villages
Tiffany Hunt and her team demonstrate exceptional dedication to both residents and staff. Their compassionate, team-focused approach—combined with tailored progression, innovative training, and a robust post-COVID recovery strategy—highlights a thoughtful and impactful care service.

The Care Team Award (Not for Profit)

Winner: Horizon Care Team, Horizon Care
Jamie stands out as a forward-thinking leader in social care. He expertly analyses complex data and, importantly, translates it into clear, practical insights that care staff can easily understand and apply. This unique ability bridges the gap between information and action, driving meaningful improvements in staff development and enhancing the quality of care provided.

Highly Commended: The Staff at Wellingborough CaRFAS, Together for Mental Wellbeing
The CaRFAS team delivers a compassionate, recovery-focused service for adults with complex mental health needs. Through strong leadership, meaningful resident involvement, and an ethos grounded in respect and empowerment, they consistently achieve outstanding outcomes—transforming lives while fostering a vibrant, supportive environment and maintaining impressively low staff turnover.

The Housing Team Award

Winner: Adullam Stoke Lifehouse, Adullam Homes Housing Association
The managers demonstrate exceptional leadership, overcoming significant challenges in managing a complex and diverse service. Their passion and commitment were evidentthroughout the interview, reflecting true dedication. Their team consistently goes above and beyond to support not only the residents of the hostel but also homeless individuals in the wider community and neighbouring businesses.

Highly Commended: Hull New Avenues, Target Housing
This small charity is making a meaningful difference in the lives of those it supports. The team works exceptionally well together, combining diverse knowledge, experience, and skills to achieve the best outcomes. During the interview, their strong commitment to teamwork and collaborative problem-solving was evident.

The Activities Co-ordinator Award

Winner: Caroline Mane, Adullam Homes Housing Association
Caroline’s unwavering dedication, compassion, and innovative approach have profoundly transformed lives. She consistently goes above and beyond to uplift and empower people experiencing homelessness, addressing their needs with empathy and creativity. Caroline truly embodies excellence in care—bringing hope, inspiring others, and driving meaningful, lasting change in the community.

Highly Commended: Debbie Rees, Welford Healthcare
Debbie has consistently demonstrated remarkable commitment to enriching lives through a diverse array of engaging and meaningful activities. Her creativity, warmth, and unwavering dedication bring joy and comfort to everyone she supports, making a significant and lasting positive impact on their wellbeing and daily experiences.

The Care Handyperson Award

Winner: Maintenance Team, Zetetick Housing
The Maintenance Team’s problem-solving expertise sets the standard for excellence. Their dedication, efficiency, and skill ensure everything runs smoothly. They create safe, comfortable, and bespoke environments for all. From urgent repairs to major improvements, their hard work makes a real difference every single day.

Highly Commended: Hugh Anderson, Strong Life Care
Hugh plays a vital role in the care home, making a meaningful difference every day alongside his beloved canine companion. From fixing essential facilities to ensuring a warm, safe, and welcoming environment, his dedication has a clear and lasting impact on the wellbeing of residents and staff alike.

The Chef Award

Winner: Matthew Roberts, Welford Healthcare
Welford Care and their residents are fortunate to have such a passionate, creative, and genuinely caring chef. The judges were impressed by Matthew’s enthusiasm and commitment to continuously enhancing the residents’ experience—from fresh, nutritious meals and innovative support for those with dementia, to special event nights and delivering a restaurant-quality experience. His high tea service even rivals Harrods!

Highly Commended: Hazel Lyman, Strong Life Care
Hazel consistently goes above and beyond to provide nutritious, home-cooked meals crafted with creativity and care. From themed events to personalized menus, she ensures residents enjoy food that brings both comfort and joy. Her compassion, community engagement, and commitment to quality dining make her truly exceptional in her role.

The Garden Landscaper Award

Winner: Mike Lindley, Strong Life Care
It’s not always about financial investment. While money can certainly improve lives, it’soften the small, everyday actions—those that are hardest to measure—that bring the greatest value and meaning. The garden team, supported by the people they care for, has created more than just a physical space. They’ve cultivated purpose, pride, and connection.

Highly Commended: The CMKC Gardening Team, Camphill MK Communities
This dedicated team has aligned their personal values with those of their organisation, working together to create a thoughtful balance between beautifully curated spaces, self-sustainability, biodiversity, and innovative gardening practices. Their team leader inspires through action—building success step by step, growing confidence within the team, and continuously moving on to the next project.

The Housekeeper Award

Winner: Amanda Smith, Country Court
Amanda is the heart of Hermitage House. Her attention to detail, compassion, and unwavering dedication extend well beyond her role. She fosters a warm, welcoming environment, supports her team, and brings daily comfort to all residents. Her commitment and care shine through in everything she does, making a real difference every day.

Highly Commended: Tara Lee, Strong Life Care
Tara brings warmth, joy, and excellence to every corner of the home. From person-centred room design to hands-on support during outbreaks, her passion, reliability, and genuine care make a meaningful impact on both residents and colleagues.

The Housing Developer Award

Winner: Storry Homes, Storyy Group
Storyy Group is redefining high-quality supported accommodation and children’s homes by creating environments where young people feel secure, valued, and empowered. Their homes foster a strong sense of belonging, supported by a dedicated team that goes above and beyond to help young people build independent, fulfilling futures. This commitment makes StoryyGroup truly deserving of this award.

Highly Commended: The Team, Rangeford Villages
Rangeford Villages is a leading developer of sought-after retirement communities across the UK, promoting independent, active, and social living. Their sites offer state-of-the-art amenities and encourage vibrant community engagement through events, clubs, and outings. Their Revive Health and Wellbeing initiative ensures tailored care and smooth transitions, exemplifying their commitment to residents’ quality of life and wellbeing.

The Building Design Award

Winner: Ian Holloway, Burnham Waters
After years of research, investment, and dedication, a long-term ambition is finally coming to life. This significant project will soon be fully operational, providing many individuals and families with personalized, tailored care and a strong, supportive community where they can truly feel valued and supported.

Highly Commended: Tim Davies, Camphill MK Communities
A committed local charity delivering exceptional care and support for its community. This fantastic new building is thoughtfully designed to meet the unique needs of older clients, providing a welcoming environment that promotes independence, dignity, and choice. It truly represents a superb new home for those it serves.

The Outreach Community Service Award

Winner: Christian Whiteley-Mason, Strong Life Care
Christian is deeply committed to his local community, actively serving on school and library committees while raising thousands for charity. He is passionate about empowering residents to engage with local schools and groups and provides vital dementia training to schools and churches. Christian’s dedication and leadership make him a true asset to his organisation.

Highly Commended: Marie Jevon, Include ‘In’ Autism
Marie leads with compassion and dedication at Include ‘In’ Autism, supporting neurodivergent individuals to live lives they love and design for themselves. Her team empowers people to self-advocate, break down barriers, and celebrate neurodiversity, transforming families and communities. Marie’s work inspires growth, pride, and acceptance every day.

The Supported Housing Innovation Award

Winner: Hans Morano, Supported Living Services
Hans leads a truly client-focused and innovative service. Creating a charity run by residents with learning disabilities and mental health conditions is no small feat—it’s an inspiring idea and a remarkable achievement. This initiative not only empowers those it supports but also sets a powerful example of independence and community leadership.

Highly Commended: Growth Project, Target Housing
The Growth Project team brings outstanding enthusiasm and passion to their work. These dedicated individuals deliver an exceptional level of compassion and care in a demanding and complex profession. Their commitment creates a truly refreshing and unique service that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of those they support.

The Workforce Development Award

Winner: Jessie Smissen & Michael Park, LDC Care Company
Jessie and Michael exemplify leadership and innovation in care training, promoting a person-centred, collaborative approach that empowers both staff and those they support. Their dedication to developing skills and fostering teamwork has strengthened their organisation’s ability to provide compassionate, high-quality care.

Highly Commended: Julie O’Donovan, Lifeways
Julie is a passionate and dedicated specialist whose personalised training and mentoring improve outcomes for both staff and those they support. Her innovative, adaptable approach and commitment to best practice make her an invaluable part of the team, driving continuous improvement in person-centred care.

The Tenant Co-Production Award

Winner: Co-Production Team, Making Space
The Making Space project was most impressive in terms of producing an accessible tool that was innovative, creative and accessible. Their ‘Making It Real’ game encourages meaningful, co-produced conversations about care, helping people shape their own support. It’s a brilliant example of person-centred care designed with—never just for—those they support.

Highly Commended: The Team, Target Housing
Target Housing has embedded co-production at every level, ensuring lived experience drives service design and delivery. From peer mentors and scrutiny boards to empowering volunteers and renaming services, they champion inclusion and elevate voices that are too often unheard—creating services that are compassionate, relevant, and transformative

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Winner: Kim Retter, Blue Sunrise Care Limited
Kim’s outstanding contribution to care shines through her ability to foster a strong, connected team. She promotes excellent communication and actively encourages ongoing learning and training. As a passionate and dedicated leader, Kim consistently goes above and beyond to support both staff and residents. Thanks to her brilliant leadership and unwavering commitment, the residents enjoy a close-knit, family-like atmosphere in the home.