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Care UK Stars Awards 2023

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Care UK Stars Awards 2023

More than 350 colleagues from across our homes and support teams came together to celebrate the fantastic work they do and their incredible achievements.

During the ceremony a total of 25 awards were handed out,  including Home of the Year and Most improved Region. 

And the winners are...

Best Dining Experience
Lauder Lodge

“It means so much, especially for the team, as they are definitely part of the whole service we provide for residents and their families. They work very well with the care teams and provide a service that is outstanding and I’m so glad and so pleased that they’ve been recognised for this.” - Anees Riaz, Home Manager

Chef of the Year
Stuart Pelham, Llys Cyncoed

“I love when I speak to residents’ families and they tell me how happy they are with the food and how much better their loved ones are feeling, it’s good to hear how you’ve contributed to the wellbeing of the residents. I’ve previously worked in a hotel and in that industry, you’re cooking to please people, but in a care home, you’re pleasing them but it’s also about their wellbeing, their nutrition and hydration.”

Exceptional Housekeeping
Amherst House

“Although it might be just housekeeping for some, for us it means so much. They are a wonderful team, and always go above and beyond.” - Cristina Cristea, General Manager

Maintenance Person of the Year
Brian Thornton, Invicta Court

“That’s what is special about this job, being able to recreate something that someone feels so passionate about. The resident was amazed, and all of her family were there, and it was a really special day and made me feel quite emotional myself.”

Sales and Marketing
The Willows

“To win this award means the absolute world. I have an incredible team, and everybody is so passionate and caring, and we are supported by our regional director and operations director.”

Salesperson of the Year
Ginny Peachey, Sandfields

 “I love Sandfields and I love my job. Being able to combine my sales career with care, it’s just wonderful and I’ve felt extremely supported by the Marketing team and by all of my colleagues at the home.”

Exceptional Customer Service
Manor Lodge

“Our team has worked so hard, and it is a very special award for us knowing that relatives and residents, especially residents, are happy with what we do. It just makes this win feel really, really special.” - Maggie Ziemianska, Home Manager

Administrator of the Year
Tina Parry, Oak House

“I don’t think there are words to describe what this award means to me. I feel really valued by Care UK and this win does mean a lot.”

Lifestyle Colleague of the Year
Diane McCracken, Llys Cyncoed

“It’s lovely to win but also to get lifestyle recognised for our team at the home who are just wonderful and so hardworking. It’s such a lovely home to work in, it’s a home from home and I love coming into work and seeing the
residents every day - they feel like my family.”

Apprentice of the Year
Dean McPherson, Field Lodge

“I was shocked, but it feels amazing to win this award, it shows that if you work hard, you will be recognised. Being able to support residents is very rewarding and it feels good to be able to make a difference in my role.”

Carer of the Year
Aimee Baxter, Mercia Grange

“It was absolutely amazing to be recognised. The job is worthwhile as it is anyway, but to win an award just makes it even more rewarding. I feel valued in my job when a resident is happy, but to win Carer of the Year just adds to that.”

Nurse of the Year
Zeo Chico, Jubilee House

“I wouldn’t be here without the support of my team at Jubilee House. All the team are
very friendly, the residents and families are easy to get along with and I feel very supported – it’s such a positive environment to work in.”

Great Dementia Care
Appleby House

“All the hard work has paid off and to win an award, it just makes us want to be more
passionate and be even better. I feel immense pride, being recognised and valued for what
you’re doing, it’s recognition that you’re making a difference, it’s a whole-team effort and I’m
very proud. We’re very innovative at Appleby House, we always want to do more, and we want
to do something that’s different, to show that people can live well with dementia.” - Shona Bradbury, Home Manager

Dementia Coach of the Year
Boryana Nankova, Kenilworth Grange

“I’m really proud of the work I do for residents and for families. For me, I can see the result of what I’m doing for them for their wellbeing. Residents are happy and the families as well, they know that their loved ones are safe
and comfortable in their home and this is what I’m working for all the time.”

Team Leader of the Year
Julie Davy, Smyth Lodge

“I love my role, and I’m very passionate about helping residents living with dementia to live independently, and
that they live happy and fulfilling lives.”

Deputy Manager of the Year
Michelle Goostrey, Halecroft Grange

“It feels amazing to have been recognised as Deputy Manager of the Year. I love spending time with residents and enjoy working with my team but to win makes the job even more worthwhile. I have always been a strong
advocate for older people and I’m passionate about supporting and developing my team.”

Outstanding Leadership
Jagpal Singh, Liberham Lodge

“I always say that I am only as good as my team. It’s not my hard work, it’s their hard work reflected on me.”

Outstanding Leadership
Toby Sturgess, Lonsdale Mews
Outstanding Leadership
Sara Barbosa, Invicta Court
Outstanding Leadership
Shirley Summerbell, Winchcombe Place

“We all work hard as managers, and I think to be recognised for the hard work we put in is amazing.”

Outstanding Local Reputation
Dashwood Manor

“This award feels like recognition not just from Care UK but from the families we support and the residents we care for.” - Dil Perera, Home Manager

Most Improved Home
Llys Cyncoed

“I feel very proud and valued and of course proud of my team at Llys Cyncoed who have made a huge effort this year.” - Virgil Frincu, Home Manager

Home of the Year
Whitebourne

“To win this award is really special for the whole team at Whitebourne. It means a lot for me and all the colleagues at the home and for all the hard work we’ve all put in to ensure residents live fulfilling lives.” - Nealsen Veerasawmy, Home Manager

Most Improved Region
South London

This award uses a range of internal and external performance data to identify the team that has supported each other to drive the highest improvements in the past 12 months. 

"It’s absolutely fantastic to be recognised, I wasn’t expecting it but it’s amazing. Not just for me but the rest of the team. I’m over the moon." - Regional Director

Region of the Year
North Central

“It’s not just me being recognised but the whole team and their efforts this year. It’s not just about managers, it’s about the whole teams in the homes, they’ve all made such an effort this year and their hard work has paid off.” - Regional Director, Dianna Coy

 

Our teams have continued to display our values of caring, passionate and teamwork, putting residents at the heart of everything they do. Care UK Stars recognises the exceptional achievements and professionalism of many colleagues in Care UK.

We had a record number of nominations this year, more than double that of last year, which is a testament to your continued commitment and care. But whether or not you were one of our finalists, you should all be incredibly proud of yourselves, as I am of you all.

Andrew Knight
CEO

Congratulations to all our winners, finalists and the hundreds of other colleagues who were nominated for awards this year.