A celebratory gala, held last night (Thursday 16 October) by Carers UK and supported by Phoenix, honoured the remarkable contributions of individuals and organisations across the nation who make life better for unpaid carers.
Shortlisted nominees from ten different categories were chosen from hundreds of entries. They were invited to a glittering awards ceremony held at Plaisterer’s Hall, London, hosted by actor and comedian Stephen Mangan.
After an emotional night, full of smiles, applause and fantastic party outfits, the following winners were announced – in recognition of their incredible efforts over many years, whether through caring, campaigning, volunteering or workplace initiatives to create a more inclusive and supportive society for carers.
Community awards
-
Winner for Carer of the Year: Amy Elizabeth
-
Winner for Community Group: We All Are One (Doncaster)
-
Winner for Community Volunteer: Alison Birket
-
Winner for Individual Campaigner: Carolynne Hunter
-
Winner for Outstanding Carer Service: Forward Carers (West Midlands)
-
Winner for Standout Campaign for Carers: South Ayrshire HSCP
Workplace awards
-
Winner for Exceptional Carers Network: Bank of England
-
Winner for Inspiring Leader: Rachel Pears (RPC Legal)
-
Winner for Transformational Employer: TSB
-
Winner for Workplace Champion: Sheena Goodey (Carers First Lincolnshire)
-
Winner of The Johnnie Walker Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by Tiggy Walker: The Baroness Jill Pitkeathley OBE
The first-ever Carers UK Awards took place at an important time for Carers UK. This year the charity is marking 60 years since it was first founded by Reverend Mary Webster in 1965 and is taking the opportunity to honour the millions of carers who have helped to shape its vision and campaign work.
The judging panel was made up of business leaders and representatives from Carers UK, patron Tiggy Walker who cared for her late husband Johnnie and Chief Executive Helen Walker. The event was supported by Phoenix Group.
Helen Walker, Chief Executive at Carers UK, said:
“Last night’s award ceremony was a real highlight of our 60th anniversary year. From community groups providing practical support to inspiring leaders in the workplace, I have found it unbelievably heart-warming to hear of the fantastic work being done to support unpaid carers across the UK.
“Every day, millions of people dedicate their time and energy to caring for friends and family, often without recognition or support. We need to see greater equality and rights for unpaid carers, and the positive news is that there are people out there with a passion to raise awareness who are successfully enacting change.
“We wanted to use The Carers UK Awards to demonstrate what can be done, to showcase outstanding achievements and to shout about initiatives that are making a tangible difference. We received a huge response to this, and I’d like to congratulate our deserving winners and our shortlisted nominees again for their incredible efforts.”