The Outstanding Complex Care Provider

St Elizabeth’s Centre

St Elizabeth’s displayed a fantastic balance of mission, vision and results across a wide range of complex services. Their excellence was apparent from every angle — understanding the need for continual adaptation, robust systems, genuinely person-centred support, and strong key partnerships, all working together to ensure the people they look after have the very best life possible.

Fairlie Healthcare Group

Following a period of real innovation, including a particularly compelling example of positive risk-taking, Fairlie’s forward-thinking approach and recent optimisation of its clinical services has led to fantastic outcomes for the people they help support. This reflects a genuine commitment to progressive, thoughtful practice that puts meaningful results at its heart.

The Best Neurological Care Provider

British Home

British Home has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to delivering outstanding, person-centred neurological care, placing residents at the heart of everything it does. Through meaningful involvement in recruitment, service development and quality monitoring, residents are empowered to shape the care they receive. Its innovative Communication Champions programme ensures every voice is heard, while strong clinical leadership, a diverse range of therapies and measurable improvements in safety and outcomes further demonstrate its commitment to excellence. British Home is a truly deserving winner, setting an inspiring example of compassionate, inclusive and resident-led neurological care.

Kinly Care

Kinly Care has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred care, consistently placing the individual before their condition. By working closely with the people, it supports to shape its values and building strong, trusting relationships with local psychiatric teams, Kinly Care has created a genuine family ethos across its homes. Its innovative approach to reducing falls and reliance on psychotropic medication, recognised as best practice by NHS England, highlights its dedication to improving safety, independence and quality of life. Kinley Care is a shining example of how compassionate, personalised care can achieve truly outstanding outcomes.

The Care and Support Worker of the Year (Central)

Owen Mullings, Manton Heights ABI Unit, RCH Care Homes

Owen has consistently demonstrated exceptional dedication, compassion and an unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of both residents and staff. His genuine passion for delivering outstanding care, combined with his professionalism, kindness and willingness to go above and beyond, makes him a truly inspirational individual. He is highly respected and valued by those around him, and his positive influence makes him an invaluable asset to RCH.

Uchenna Erinne, Askham Rehab

Uchenna Erinne demonstrates exceptional compassion, professionalism and dedication in supporting residents. Her person-centred approach promotes dignity, independence and confidence throughout rehabilitation. Working collaboratively with colleagues and building meaningful relationships with residents and families, Uchenna consistently delivers outstanding care, making a lasting difference to those they support.

The Care and Support Worker of the Year (North)

Sophie Christie,Hesley Group

Sophie is an exceptional and compassionate professional who consistently goes above and beyond to deliver outstanding, personalised support to both clients and colleagues. Her dedication to continuous learning and professional development enables her to be a strong and effective advocate within the social care sector. Her genuine kindness, empathy and unwavering commitment to making a positive difference truly set her apart.

The Care and Support Worker of the Year (South)

Sheena Bedwell, Dolphin Care Ltd

What stood out about Sheena was her natural compassion, especially given she’s still relatively new to complex care. She shared a lovely story of taking a gentleman swimming and watching him smile and stretch out in the water — a simple moment that spoke volumes about giving people joy and quality of life. She also built a remarkable bond with a lady who struggled to communicate, learning her gestures until she began asking for Sheena by name. Her emotional maturity, patience and genuine desire to see the person before the condition made her a truly deserving winner.

Sky Skordis, Visiting Angels South East London

What stood out about Sky was the genuine relationship she’s built with the person she supports, truly knowing him as an individual. From music and Netflix to simply chatting together, she clearly values companionship as much as care. Her vigilance shone through too — noticing a change in his skin colour that helped identify a serious health issue early, showing how well she really knows him. His family’s trust in her, saying they don’t know what they’d do without her, speaks volumes. This combination of compassion, vigilance and genuine connection made Sky thoroughly deserving of being Highly Commended.

The Manager of the Year (Central)

Samantha Avery,Thera Trust

Samantha is a true inspiration, making the transition from service user to service leader with remarkable ease. Drawing on her first-hand experience, she brings about meaningful change with real authenticity and insight. Samantha has never let her learning disability define or limit what she can achieve, instead using her journey to lead others by example — showing what’s possible with determination, confidence and self-belief.

Tracey Ferguson, Home Instead Bedford

Tracey has a genuine passion for care, always focused on how her team can help in the best possible way. Her leadership reflects real dedication and heart, making her a true leader who inspires those around her to deliver the very best support for the people they care for.

The Manager of the Year (North)

Zoey Carol-Forrester, Brainkind Neurological Centre York

Zoey is a deserving winner whose exceptional leadership has transformed neurological care services. Her commitment to person-centred care, clinical excellence and continuous improvement has strengthened service quality and improved outcomes. Through compassionate leadership, innovation and effective teamwork, she has made a lasting difference to the lives of those receiving care.

Lisa Locking, Cygnet Pindar House

A deserving runner-up, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership, strategic vision and a commitment to delivering high-quality patient care. Her ability to navigate complex challenges, improve operational performance and inspire her teams is commendable. Through compassionate leadership, innovation and collaboration, she has made a significant contribution to hospital services and outcomes.

The Manager of the Year (South)

Creenagh Williamson, Fairlie Healthcare Group

A clear example of creative and supportive leadership, ensuring everybody feels valued and has a voice. There are great examples of support systems in place for staff to get to know one another, alongside a clear focus on training that reflects the belief that residents deserve 100% — best achieved through respect and mutual understanding within the team.

Jamie Green, Cygnet Brunel

Jamie is a deserving runner-up whose compassionate and approachable leadership has transformed the hospital’s culture. His commitment to staff wellbeing, patient care and continuous improvement has strengthened teamwork, boosted morale and driven quality improvements. His dedication, visible leadership and genuine care for others have made a lasting difference.

The Best Multidisciplinary Team

The HOPE(s) Team and Partners, Community Integrated Care

The HOPE(s) Team is an extraordinary group dedicated to transforming the lives of the country’s most vulnerable individuals. Where others may see barriers, HOPE(s) sees possibility. Through innovative, individualised solutions, relentless advocacy and an unwavering refusal to give up, the team creates opportunities once thought impossible. They reach people others have struggled to connect with, building safety, trust, belonging and genuine hope for the future. Their work goes far beyond simply providing support — they create life-changing experiences, unlock potential, and prove that the right care, delivered with heart and determination, can transform an entire life’s trajectory.

Askham Rehab Team

Askham Rehab stands out for its unwavering commitment to achieving exceptional outcomes for every individual it supports. Truly person-centred, the team consistently goes above and beyond, turning individual goals into remarkable achievements and creating opportunities that genuinely transform lives. What makes Askham particularly special is its whole-team approach — everyone plays a part, from care and clinical teams to chefs, maintenance colleagues and the wider MDT. This impressive staff retention reflects a culture where people feel valued, connected and united by shared purpose. Askham Rehab proves that outstanding care is achieved when an entire organisation believes in every individual’s potential.

The Activity Organiser 

Taylor and Alice, Prosperity care and wellbeing

Taylor and Alice have gone above and beyond, supporting 78 individuals through their Thrive Programme. Their innovative, person-centred approach has improved confidence, wellbeing and social inclusion. Particularly inspiring is their support for a young person with selective mutism, whose progress through drama inspired the development of Spotlight and comedy initiatives.

Caroline Sanford, Saltwood Care Centre part of Integrum Care Group

Caroline demonstrates exceptional compassion and dedication, enriching the lives of 64 older adults with complex care needs. Through personalised activities and intergenerational connections, she creates meaningful experiences for residents. Particularly moving was her determination to fulfil a resident’s final wish to visit the seaside while living with motor neurone disease

The Clinician of the Year

Sharon Branagh, Enabling Lives

She showed immense motivation and experience in caring for people with exceptionally complex needs, remaining grounded and practical in her approach at all times. Her compassionate, person-centred style of care was evident throughout, reflecting a deep understanding of what truly makes a difference to those she supports. She consistently went above and beyond, not only for her patients but for her team as well, leading by example in every sense. Her unwavering belief that every patient deserved nothing, but the best was truly remarkable, and it’s this conviction that sets her apart as an outstanding practitioner in her field.

The Advocacy and Carer Support Award

Young At Heart, ULO CIC

Alison demonstrates an exceptional passion for dementia care, bringing over 20 years of experience and a Master’s degree in Dementia Studies. Through music, storytelling and community engagement, she shares her knowledge and expertise, generously delivering free training to support and inspire others. Her dedication to improving dementia care is truly commendable.

Tsungayi Christina Kangere, Bluebird Care, Wiltshire North

Tsungayi demonstrates outstanding dedication to advocacy, dementia awareness and carer support. Through her innovative Community Conversation initiative, she has challenged stigma, promoted inclusion and empowered families and communities. Her compassion, determination and commitment to ensuring every individual feels valued make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

The Top Advanced Practitioner

Leah Cowdry, Askham Rehab

Leah demonstrates an exceptional passion for supporting both residents and colleagues, consistently going above and beyond to ensure the highest standards of care. Her compassion, dedication and unwavering commitment to the wellbeing of others are truly commendable. She leads by example, making a meaningful and lasting difference to those around her every day.

The Top Physiotherapist of the Year

Yuvaraj Ganesan, Churchview Nursing Home

Winner for an exceptional, personal approach to physiotherapy, Yuvaraj transforms residents’ independence, mobility and wellbeing through carefully individualised treatment plans. His work has helped reduce falls, equipment and medication needs while improving sleep quality and discharge outcomes. Yuvaraj’s outstanding achievements, humility and dedicated leadership continue to inspire both residents and colleagues to live life to the fullest.

Caroline Stoneham, Askham Rehab

Caroline demonstrates exceptional clinical expertise, compassion and dedication to neurological rehabilitation. Her personalised approach empowers residents to regain independence, confidence and mobility following complex injuries. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and her commitment to professional education, she consistently delivers outstanding outcomes.

The Exceptional Case Manager

Denise Slack, JSP Case Management (part of Active Care Group)

Denise demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism and a genuine impact on those she has supported throughout her career. Her commitment to excellence, combined with her ability to inspire those around her, has consistently delivered outstanding results that set her apart from her peers. Denise’s passion for her work was evident in everything she does, reflecting a deep and genuine desire to make a positive difference in people’s lives. Her dedication has left a lasting impression on those she supports, making her a truly deserving winner. Congratulations, Denise, on this well-earned and thoroughly deserved achievement.

Opal-Marie Bryen, Unity Care Solutions

An inspirational case manager whose clear enthusiasm and passion for her work shine through in everything she does. She demonstrates exceptional dedication to those she supports, consistently going above and beyond to ensure they receive the very best care, guidance and advocacy. Her genuine commitment to improving outcomes reflects a deep understanding of what truly matters to the individuals and families she works with. This combination of passion, professionalism and heartfelt dedication makes her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. Congratulations on this well-earned Highly Commended award — a fitting tribute to her outstanding contribution.

The Best Psychological Support Service

Dr. Pulijala Sulakshana Rao,Askham Rehab

An exceptional example of evidence-based, compassionate neurorehabilitation — combining psychological expertise, personalised therapies and multidisciplinary collaboration to improve emotional wellbeing, restore independence and support people through complex rehabilitation journeys towards safer, more confident futures.

Clinical Psychology Service, Cheshire and Merseyside Rehabilitation Network

Highly Commended for an outstanding person-centred and evidence-based approach to neuropsychological rehabilitation, using personalised formulation, psychological therapies and multidisciplinary collaboration to build resilience, strengthen engagement and support people to achieve meaningful rehabilitation outcomes.

The Best Community Outreach

Catterick and Windsor Team, Neuro Diverse Community CIC

A truly inspiring example of how lived experience can drive meaningful and lasting change within communities. Through building trust, championing inclusion and creating valuable opportunities, this initiative has made a significant difference to the lives of children, young people and families who need support the most.

Comfort Care Services (UK) Ltd

Highly Commended for an exceptional commitment to empowering individuals through meaningful co-production, valuing lived experience and fostering strong community connections. Their inclusive approach creates opportunities for people to share their voices, shape decisions and achieve their aspirations, ensuring everyone feels heard, valued and empowered to make a positive difference.

The Exceptional Training and Development Program

Lizzie, Charlotte and Louise, Caremark Rotherham and Sheffield.

This Winner award recognises a truly compassionate, person-centred approach that brings service users, families and care teams together in genuine partnership. Through tailored education, practical support and a strong focus on wellbeing, the team consistently builds confidence, trust and collaboration across everyone involved. Their inclusive, responsive way of working enriches the quality of care provided, strengthens relationships and, most importantly, helps people feel truly understood, valued and supported throughout their journey. This achievement reflects a deep commitment to putting people at the heart of everything they do, setting a wonderful example of excellence in collaborative, person-centred practice.

The Training and Education Team, Prosperity Care and Wellbeing

Yaz presented her team’s innovative approach to training and development with genuine passion. The successful merger of two disciplines has allowed the team to grow and develop, opening up increased opportunities that reflect real progress and forward thinking in how they support learning across the organisation.

The Excellence in Occupational Therapy

Julie Parker, SJP Law

An outstanding individual whose unwavering commitment to the profession is creating a truly lasting impact. Most notably, they have brought together a thriving neurological network of professionals, creating meaningful opportunities to share best practice, develop knowledge and learn collaboratively across the field. Their successful launch of an inclusive Neuro Café has further strengthened community connection and accessible support, with a second café already set to open in response to its impact. This combination of innovation, leadership and a genuine drive to improve lives reflects the very best of what dedicated, forward-thinking practice can achieve within the sector.

Georgia Nelson, Cygnet St Williams

A truly excellent individual, demonstrating exceptional innovation, passion and commitment to advancing practice within their field. Their creation of an inventive OT Escape Room has transformed learning into an engaging, hands-on experience that both challenges and inspires fellow professionals in new and memorable ways. Alongside this, their dedication to conducting meaningful research helps deepen understanding and share valuable learning with fellow OTs and practitioners across the sector. This combination of creativity and rigorous, evidence-based practice reflects an outstanding commitment to improving both individual practice and broader outcomes throughout the wider profession.

The Best Use of Technology in Care

Askham Rehab

Askham Rehab stood out for its innovative use of robotics and assistive technology to transform the rehabilitation experience. By making progress measurable, motivating and genuinely personalised, they empower individuals to see their recovery unfold in real time, turning abstract goals into tangible, visible achievements. This approach not only boosts confidence and engagement but helps translate those gains into greater independence in everyday life. Askham’s forward-thinking use of technology demonstrates how innovation, when combined with compassionate, person-centred care, can meaningfully accelerate recovery and reshape what’s possible for those on their rehabilitation journey.

The Innovative Neuro Rehabilitation Program

12-Week Intensive Rehabilitation Programme, Askham Rehab

Caroline has demonstrated exceptional knowledge, understanding and expertise in delivering outstanding rehabilitation care, consistently achieving excellent outcomes for those she supports in a remarkably short period of time. Her passion, compassion and commitment to rehabilitation are truly inspiring, reflecting a genuine desire to improve people’s lives. Caroline is dedicated to helping individuals regain their independence, confidence and quality of life as quickly and safely as possible, making a real and lasting difference to everyone she works with

Steps Ahead Care and Support Ltd

A deserving runner-up, this organisation demonstrates an exceptional commitment to innovative, person-centred rehabilitation. By championing positive risk-taking, independence and meaningful experiences, they empower individuals to achieve their aspirations. Their collaborative approach, sector-wide knowledge sharing and dedication to improving outcomes are truly commendable, setting an inspiring example for others.

The Outstanding Patient and Family Support

Hesley Group

Hesley Group stood out for making families genuine partners in care, involving them in everything from staff recruitment and training to care planning and service development. This highly personalised approach ensures the voices of both individuals, and their families truly shape the support they receive, reflecting a real commitment to collaborative, person-centred.

SweetTree Team, SweetTree Home Care Services

SweetTree stood out for its deeply personalised approach to supporting both individuals and their families through life-changing circumstances. Their commitment to building trust, restoring independence and helping people achieve meaningful personal goals demonstrates the profound difference truly person-centred care can make.

The Outstanding Speech and Language Therapist

Jennifer Benson, Jennifer Benson Speech and Language Therapy

Jennifer has shown a true passion for helping her clients communicate to the level they want, always focusing on their individual needs and preferences. She shared examples of supporting functional communication skills and highlighted how family members can play a crucial role within the team. Her flexibility and adaptability in meeting clients’ needs and supporting their mental health is clear to see. Working across both degenerative conditions and neuro rehab, Jennifer recognises the importance of staying current with professional development, understanding that different tools and approaches are needed for different people.

Juliette Darlington, British Homes

Juliette has shown the importance of empowering both the people she supports and those she works alongside. She believes therapy should be engaging and flexible enough to adapt to people’s changing needs, whether delivered one-to-one or in a group setting. By recognising individuals and supporting them to become communication ambassadors, Juliette has demonstrated how this recognition helps build confidence and positively supports mental health and wellbeing.

The Most Compassionate Care Provider

Cavalary Care

Although all candidates displayed an extremely high level of compassion within their services, Megan, Managing Director of Cavalry Care, shone through as an exceptional leader of compassionate care. Her passion and dedication to both her staff and the people they support was evident in her language and the examples she shared during interview. By recognising people as the experts in their own care, and embedding curiosity as a core value to understand how individuals truly want to live their lives, Megan’s organis

Hesley Group

The Judges highly commend the Hesley Group for this award. Their focus on truly understanding the people they support and their families, and on amplifying their voices, impressed the judges throughout. It was clear that this organisation is wholeheartedly committed to delivering compassionate care, placing genuine understanding and advocacy at the very heart of everything they do.

The Unpaid Carer Award

Laurence May, Oxford Head Injury Services

Laurence demonstrates exceptional compassion, resilience and selflessness in his role as an unpaid carer. His unwavering dedication ensures his loved one receives outstanding care, dignity and emotional support. Despite immense challenges, Laurence consistently goes above and beyond, making a remarkable difference to his loved one’s quality of life and wellbeing.

The Lifetime Achievement in Neurological and Complex Care Award

Cathy Johnson, Mosaic Case Management and Therapies Limited.

Cathy has made an extraordinary contribution to neurological rehabilitation and complex care over four decades. A true pioneer, she has transformed services, championed professional standards and improved countless lives. Her visionary leadership, innovative approach and unwavering compassion have left a legacy across the sector. Cathy is an inspirational professional and a truly deserving recipient of this Lifetime Achievement Award.