NOMINATIONS are now open for the second annual Daily Echo Proud to Care awards.

Carers who go out of their way to improve the lives of others will be celebrated at an awards ceremony due to take place in November.

We are asking Daily Echo readers to nominate in a total of 13 categories as we celebrate all the good work going on in the care industry across Dorset and the New Forest.

It may be someone who goes the extra mile to make life easier for an elderly relative or perhaps someone whose volunteer work helps a home run more smoothly.

Proud to Care is being held in conjunction with Bournemouth and Poole councils and we are also seeking sponsors for each of the categories.

Five categories have already been snapped up by companies keen to support the care industry. They are Agincare, Ableworld, Care Dynamics, Right at Home and Tender Care.

Members of the public have until October 15 to send in their nominations.

Judging will take place in the week beginning October 17 and a shortlist will be published in the Daily Echo and online on November 8.

Shortlisted nominees and their guests will be invited to a ceremony and lunch at the Marsham Court Hotel in Bournemouth on Thursday, November 15 where the winners will be announced.

Daily Echo Editor Andy Martin said: “We are delighted to be hosting these very special awards for the second year.

“The dedication of all those involved in caring for others, whether they be professionally trained or informal or family carers is amazing and these awards are a tribute to them and all they do. Where on earth would we be without them? We heard some wonderful and inspiring stories in last year’s awards. I know it will be the same this year.”

Those interested in sponsoring a category should call Angela Boyer at the Daily Echo on 01202 411221.

The categories are:

  • Home Worker of the Year
  • Care Home of the Year
  • Home Care Worker of the Year
  • Dementia Care Worker of the Year
  • Young Carer of the Year
  • Palliative Care Worker of the Year
  • Volunteer Care of the Year
  • New Professional Care Worker
  • Family Carer of the Year
  • Learning Disability Care Worker
  • Home Care Provider of the Year
  • Special Recognition Award
  • Apprentice of the Year.

To nominate please complete the form and return it to Daily Echo Proud to Care Awards 2018, Daily Echo, Richmond Hill, Bournemouth, BH2 6HH or complete the form Proud to Care Awards 2018 nomination form.PDF and email it to proudtocare@bournemouthecho.co.uk.