PICTURED are some of the outstanding carers in the South-West, who were honoured at the Care Focus (South West) CIC gala awards evening, held at Taunton’s Wellsprings Leisure Centre.

Finalists from health and social care organisations were selected after over 200 nominations were received including the private, independent, voluntary and public sectors.

Claire Waddon, Care Focus chief executive, said: “I am delighted that we are able to continue to put on such a magnificent event and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support.

“The event grows each year with this awards ceremony being the most successful yet.

“We have had representation from all over the county of Somerset and each and every one of the finalists are truly wonderful people.

“The heart-warming stories demonstrating high levels of care, support and compassion which these individuals and organisations offer, make such a difference to other peoples’ lives, is humbling.”

The winners were:

Newcomer to Care (sponsored By Amicus Law) – Frankie Linham from Brunel Care

Outstanding Volunteer (sponsored by BJ Dixon Walsh) – Joe Male from Voyage Care

Excellence in Leadership (sponsored by Somerset County Council) – Chris Church from Wellington House

Outstanding Ancillary Worker (sponsored by Somerset College) – Sophie Critchard from Cream Care

Tim Catley-Day Award (sponsored by Skills for Care) – Louisa Evans from Carewatch Wyvern
End of Life Care (sponsored by the Gold Standards Framework) – Sarah Broom and Lyn Couldwell from Care South

Innovation Award (sponsored by Somerset County Council) – Jeremy White from Solcare

Quality Dementia Award (sponsored by Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group) – Claire Kingdon from Hazelwell Lodge

Outstanding Care or Support Worker (sponsored by Richard Huish College) – Tracie Tabrett from Homes Caring for Autism  

Care Organisation of the Year (sponsored by Hudson Training) – Cream Care