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

Carers who go out of their way to improve the lives of others will be celebrated in this year’s Proud to Care Awards in association with BCP Council.

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 the conurbation. There is simply no better time to acknowledge the incredible work done by our carers, particularly after the challenges brought about by the pandemic. Many carers put their lives on hold to care for their clients or family members and that selfless work needs to be recognised.

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 BCP Council and we are also seeking sponsors for each of the categories.

Bournemouth Echo: Proud to Care Awards 2021 logo

Members of the public have until November 10 to send in their nominations.

Judging will take place in the week beginning November 15 and a shortlist of finalists will be published in the Daily Echo and online on November 30 followed by a winners supplement on 7th December. This year we are also producing a winners video to share with our readers once the winners have been announced.

Daily Echo Editor Diarmuid MacDonagh said: “We are delighted to be working with BCP for these very special awards. 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 that they do. Where on earth would we be without them? We heard some wonderful and inspiring stories in the last awards. I know it will be the same this year.”

Councillor Karen Rampton, BCP Council portfolio holder for adults, said:“We are pleased to be supporting the Proud to Care Awards for the fourth year. We recognise now more than ever the essential role that care providers, carers - paid and unpaid - and volunteers play in the BCP community.

“We’ve heard many accounts of local carers and care providers going above and beyond to support people since the start of the COVID19 pandemic.

“This year we feel it’s important to take the time to recognise as many carers and care providers as possible and shine a light on those individuals and services who deserve worthy recognition.

“Carers and care providers are on the front line, providing vital care and support services to vulnerable people throughout the year and often don’t get the credit or spotlight that they deserve for their dedication. This event provides a chance to show our gratitude and appreciation to local carers, to whom we owe a great deal of collective acknowledgement and thanks.”

The categories are:

  1. Residential Care Home of the Year
  2. Residential Care Home Care Worker of the Year
  3. Home Care Provider of the Year
  4. Home Care Worker of the Year
  5. Learning Disability Support Worker of the Year
  6. Excellence in Dementia Care
  7. Palliative Care Worker of the Year
  8. Family or Friend Carer of the Year
  9. Community & Voluntary Group
  10. Volunteer of the Year
  11. New Care Worker of the Year
  12. Long Service Award
  13. Special Recognition Award

To nominate, please complete the online form at bournemouthecho.co.uk/awards/proudtocare.

We will also be publishing the printed voting form in the Daily Echo throughout October.

Any business interested in sponsoring a category should email angela.boyer@localiq.co.uk