Four individuals standing on a stage during an award ceremony. Two people in the centre are holding framed certificates, while the person on the left is holding a glass trophy. The backdrop features large, partially visible text reading “Special Recognition Winners” in elegant script. All individuals are dressed in formal or semi-formal attire.

Over 300 people attended Nottinghamshire County Council’s second Proud to Care Awards, which recognise and celebrate people who work in the private care sector across the county. The awards, held in partnership with Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Care Association, are held to celebrate and thank people who work in a wide range of roles across adult social care – care homes, home care, day services, supported living, and administration – making a real difference to the people they support every day.

The award ceremony was held at Colwick Hall in Nottingham, and gave finalists, their colleagues, guests and sponsors an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of those who work in social care, connect with others in similar work environments, and be inspired by moving stories of how care has transformed people’s lives. Attendees enjoyed an evening of music, fun and laughter, sharing ideas and hearing what made the winners’ and finalists’ contributions to care so life-changing and why these awards were so richly deserved.

Cllr Barry Answer, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “These awards help to give social care the recognition it deserves. We have extremely committed and dedicated people working in care, and they tell us that this is more than just a job. It’s about really connecting with people. They are inspiring, hard-working, and passionate about the people they care for. I’d like to congratulate the award winners and thank those who work with them. I’d also like to thank Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Care Association for working in partnership with us to hold this event, and the sponsors for their generosity in supporting these awards.”

Cllr Kelvin Wright, Deputy Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “The evening was a great opportunity to highlight the importance of care and celebrate and thank those people who make a difference and put a smile on people’s faces every day. I’ve heard some truly heartwarming stories of care and compassion, and it was great to meet some of those who support and care for people with dignity and respect.”

The awards were presented across thirteen categories and the winners were:

  • Lynn Copson, community care professional, sponsored by hmetraining
  • Bev Prescott, long service recognition, sponsored by LAMTEK
  • Nicole Moore, office and operational staff member, sponsored by legrand care
  • Mable Joloza, champion of equality, diversity and inclusion, sponsored by TLDallas
  • Rachel Hornby, champion of activities and wellbeing, sponsored by Rise
  • Jack Wilmott, best newcomer, sponsored by Solutions for Care
  • Jo Harrop, residential care professional, sponsored by Vision West Nottinghamshire College
  • Chloe Holmes, leader of the year, sponsored by Aston Brooke Solicitors
  • Lauren Lowe, champion of a strengths-based approach, sponsored by able
  • Kassee Walton, innovation in technology, sponsored by Fulcrum
  • Ryan Allen, social care nurse, sponsored by Person Centred Software
  • Sara Clifton, Catherine Allington and Louise Cope, care team of the year, sponsored by delphi care solutions
  • Maizie Clay and Jasmine Bell, special recognition award, sponsored by access

Over 400 nominations were received for this year’s Proud to Care Awards, which were whittled down to 93, then to the 37 finalists, from which the 13 winners were chosen.