Care UK Stars Awards 2024

“I’m very happy to have received this award and feel proud of myself. I have a lot of colleagues to thank for my nomination and their support – the reception team contribute loads to help me, the manager and deputy, as well as regional support, credit control and billing.”

“I never really thought I could have a second career at Care UK. They have given me an opportunity to really thrive, so this award is amazing. I’m very grateful to my home – I love my job, and I love what I do!”

“I feel shocked and amazed – a massive thank you to anybody who nominated me. My home and manager have been a huge support and always there for me if I’ve needed it. I’ll probably put my trophy in reception where all the families can see it.”

“I’m really pleased for the team – it reflects the great effort put in by the kitchen and care teams, and I’m very proud of them. It’s great that the fantastic work they do every day has been recognised in this way.” - Toby Sturgess, Home Manager

“To be chosen as the carer of the year just feels amazing. I was really taken aback when my name was called, and it means the world to me to have been nominated by colleagues, residents and relatives.”

“This achievement is thanks to a lot of hard work. I received a lot of support from my head chef, Alex, who won two years ago and encouraged me to take part. He coached me and gave a lot of positive advice, which obviously worked!”

“I’m very happy to have received this award and feel proud of myself. I have a lot of colleagues to thank for my nomination and their support – the reception team contribute loads to help me, the manager and deputy, as well as regional support, credit control and billing.”

“I feel very proud about this award because it shows that we are trusted to care, and it shows team commitment and effort. Our Resident of the Day score has made a huge difference, and we’re delighted.” - Cristina Cristea, Home Manager

“I’m elated, not just for myself but for the rest of my team, who work very hard to keep Mountbatten Grange clean and habitable for our residents and visitors. It’s all about the presentation, making everything smell nice, inviting and warm – a real home from home.” - Head Housekeeper, James McGreevy

“We’ve been working towards this for so long, along with getting our GSF and VIPS accreditation. We wanted to be known as leaders in dementia care, so to get this award recognising our efforts feels amazing.” - Pooja Dhoot, Home Manager

“I’m absolutely overwhelmed. If it wasn’t for my care team, the HoDs and all my colleagues, then I wouldn’t be able to do my role. They are just fantastic, and this is what a wholehome approach means – this award is for them.”

“I’m very proud – this is such a big achievement for everyone. We have built really good links with the community, network groups and schools, and have received great feedback from relatives, positive comments online, and social engagement on Facebook is really high as well. It’s a whole-home approach.” - Sara Barbosa, Home Manager

“I didn’t expect to win because there was some great competition, so I am very excited. I particularly love the caring side of my job – we work for residents, we’re entering their home every day, so if we can do things to cheer them up, then it’s been a good day.”

“Our values of Caring, Teamwork and Passionate live at the heart of the Lizzie Lodge team. We learn and we do our best to improve and innovate. We always ask the question, are we doing the best for our residents to be well, safe, and happy? We support each other to be the best that we can be.”

“I think we make a fantastic team, we’re supportive of one another, and we’ve worked really closely on things like occupancy.” - Joanne Rix, Home Manager - Silversprings

“I don’t think we could have done it without our Regional Director, Omar, who drove us to do even better than our best.” - Maggie Ziemianska, Home Manager - Manor Lodge

“I am truly honoured to receive this award. Nursing has always been about caring deeply, working passionately, and building strong teamwork – values that guide everything I do. But this recognition is not just mine; it belongs to my incredible colleagues, who work together with shared commitment and resilience to bring comfort, dignity and joy to our residents’ lives.”

“It’s very important as a leader to be consistent and surrounded by a team who are on the same journey, who share your vision and commitment in everything we do.”

“I would like to share it with my team because without their hard work, this would not have been possible.”

“Without my senior management team, I wouldn’t have been able to do it – so it’s all credit to them.”

“I’m really surprised and over the moon to be chosen from so many homes. I’m really appreciative of everyone’s efforts.”

“This feels amazing – it’s all about the team. I’m so proud of the home managers. They’ve done an amazing job over the last couple of years, as well as the support teams who have played a massive part in Scotland’s journey to where we are now.” - Michael Doolin, Regional Director

“Six years I’ve worked for the company… six years I’ve worked to win something – and I’m absolutely over the moon and buzzing for me and my team because every single one of them deserves this – I just love them!”

“I’m overwhelmed, shocked and very humbled. I’ve never won a thing in my life, so it’s a complete honour. I love being able to connect the community, being able to work on great projects, and being listened to and supported by Care UK to bring forward new ideas to roll out.”

“I didn’t think I’d win, so I feel quite proud. Everyone I’ve spoken to said it was well deserved, but I didn’t see it like that because I just go to work and do my job. Thank you to my manager and deputy manager, too.”