Workers in the care sector for Leicester and Leicestershire were celebrated in style at the Care Professional of the Year Awards 2024.
The awards ceremony brought together staff from across Leicester and Leicestershire to commemorate carers' hard work. 17 awards were handed out on the night, including for support professional, care home professional, best newcomer and care leader.
The awards are run by both Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council and organised by Inspired to Care, who work with the care sector to promote recruitment and improve employment retention rates.
Winners came from across the county and city, including 20-year-old Lea Howen, from Wigston won the Care Home Professional of the Year award. Her hard work and dedication have already led her to be an inspiration for other young people interested in working in the sector, including recent work experience students.
James Punch, from New Parks, was the overall winner of the night. He scooped three awards and took the overall honour as Care Professional of the Year to a standing ovation from the crowd.
Speaking at the event, he said: “Everything we do, for the people we support, it’s what makes people’s lives better.”
James’ outstanding effort in caring for others at iCB Healthcare and New Parks Social Club was recognised, along with his persistence to help someone in his care get a personalised video from a Sesame Street character over in the USA.
The night also included a speech from Patricia, a Leicestershire resident who receives care. She came to support Rajan Patel, a nominee for Dignity Champion of the Year, who she called a “wonderful soul”. “I can’t tell you how much Raj means to us,” she added. “We couldn’t do it without him. He’s part of our life.”
“It’s amazing to hear all the stories of compassion and dedication carers have. We’re so proud of everyone nominated, and of the good work that has been done for our communities.
“I’m glad we can honour the people who don’t realise the amazing and inspiring work they do. They go above and beyond to make a difference to others and deserve this recognition.
Person:Councillor Christine Radford, cabinet member for adults
“I’d also like to thank the sponsors of the event for their contributions to make sure this incredible night can take place.”
Councillor Sarah Russell, deputy mayor and member for social care, health and community safety at Leicester City Council, reflected on the awards: “Events like these are so important for us to celebrate, especially at a time when the sector is under rising pressure. It makes it more vital than ever to show our gratitude and awe at the efforts these nominees have put into delivering care.
It's a reminder too, that no matter your job role or responsibility, there are wonderful moments that make adult social care such a worthwhile career to be part of.”
Sponsors for the awards were a mixture of local and sector-specific companies: Vita Health Group, Central Co-Op, Enable Inclusive Support, OnePlan Care Software, LEEP Growth Hub, Pineapple Support Services Ltd, Wood Street Optical, Syncurio, RecruitMatch, Care Choices, Midlands Care, Fire Doors Complete, and the LLR Integrated Care Board.
More information about Inspired to Care can be found on the Inspired to Care website.