THERE are still more than two weeks left to make a nomination in the 2021 Proud to Care Awards in association with BCP Council.

We are asking Daily Echo readers to recognise all the fantastic work going on in the care industry by nominating someone who has made a real difference.

That might be a paid for carer, a neighbour, a residential or nursing home or even a family member that you want to pay tribute to.

The Daily Echo is also delighted to announce that five local businesses have joined the awards as category sponsors.

Tracy Hayden, Daily Echo director of advertising, said: “It is important that we give thanks to both carers and care providers who provide valuable support to those people that need it the most, particularly the elderly. We can only produce these awards with the support of our sponsors and so far we have five local businesses who stepped up to support this amazing initiative”.

Stephen Pullinger, head of PR at Kingsley Healthcare, sponsor of the Special Recognition Award, said: "Kingsley Healthcare is delighted to be a sponsor of a very special Proud to Care Awards. The awards deservedly showcase the selfless commitment of carers during this challenging period.

"The Special Recognition Award, honouring a truly outstanding individual, embodies all the wonderful caring qualities that have come to the fore during the past 18 months.

"The importance and true value of carers, in all their guises, has shone out brightly from the darkness of the pandemic.

"We are a family owned national care provider, with three care homes in Dorset, and are delighted to support the amazing family of carers."

Andy Prescott, chairman of United Taxis, sponsor of the Palliative Care Worker of the Year category, said: "United Taxis are delighted to be involved in the Daily Echo Proud to Care Awards 2021.

"We are often privileged to have members of the local caring community as customers in our cabs, and occasionally hear about their working lives and experiences. Our admiration for these key workers has no bounds.

"This year above any other we feel it’s so important to recognise the contribution of all carers, whether paid or volunteers, who have selflessly put the needs of other before their own.

"Each of the categories in the awards is as important as the next. However, I personally have a friend who dedicates her working hours to the palliative care side of the business and for this reason we have chosen to sponsor the Palliative Care category."

Chris Brown, owner of Ableworld Bournemouth & Christchurch, sponsor of the Home Care Worker of the Year category, said: "The inspiration for choosing this category in the Proud to Care Awards is the care and attention that my late mother received from talented and caring individuals in her own home which, coupled with the help of friends, enabled me to carry on working confident in the knowledge that her needs and welfare was catered for.

"With my aunt who is now 104 and in long term care as well, I shall always be eternally grateful to all these individuals that give their energy, time and dedication to this noble profession. It is an honour and a privilege to be able to give something back in recognition to these brilliant individuals."

Care UK is sponsoring the Excellence in Dementia Care category. A spokesperson for the organisation said: "Care UK is delighted to support the Daily Echo Proud to Care Awards this year, recognising the outstanding care provided by people who work in the sector, whether paid or unpaid.

"We have chosen to sponsor the Excellence in Dementia Care category because, as a leading provider of dementia care, we champion the very best care and quality of life for people living with all types of dementia.

"We see the person behind the dementia, supporting them to enjoy meaningful experiences in a warm and friendly environment where they feel calm, safe, and happy."

Jonathan Beebee, chief Enablement Officer at PBS4, sponsor of the Learning Disability Support Worker category, said: "The pandemic has brought overdue attention to how essential key workers working in social care are and the amazing work that they do.

"PBS4 supports people with learning disabilities and/or autistic people and know first-hand the incredible difference support workers make to people’s lives.

"It is with great pride we are sponsoring this award to recognise the achievements of those who have gone above and beyond to be nominated for this award, and to say a huge thank you to everyone working in a support worker role."

To nominate, complete the online form at bournemouthecho.co.uk/awards/proudtocare. We will also be publishing the printed voting form in the Daily Echo regularly up to the closing date of Wednesday, November 10.

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