Nominations for the best home carers in Blackpool are now open.

The Carer of the Year Awards 2016, which is hosted by Blackpool Council together with the Blackpool Care at Home Providers’ Forum, will take place again later this year with all families who receive care in their own home encouraged to nominate somebody that they feel goes the extra mile.



This year’s event is being sponsored by the Villa Group based in Wrea Green and owned by Simon Rigby MBE.

From today, care providers will be handing out nomination forms to people who use care at home services to choose their ‘Carer of the Year’.

Last year, 270 entries were received for top carers across the town, which was whittled down to a shortlist before Kevin Waite, of Napier HomeCare, took away the coveted prize.

In total, there are six categories, ranging from most improved carer to the award for people worked in the care sector over a long period, as well as the coveted main Carer of the Year trophy.

The final awards will then be presented amongst other categories at a ceremony in October.

Other awards that will be handed out include for the best new carer, the best double-up team, the best care co-ordinator and long service recognition. Nominations for those awards will be made by Blackpool care providers.

Cllr Graham Cain, Cabinet Secretary for Blackpool Council, said: “We know that standards of care in Blackpool are generally very high.

“There are many residents who receive a top class service from carers, which allows them to continue to live in their own home amongst family rather than needed a specialist care home place.

“These awards are a great way of celebrating those carers who really go above and beyond to make sure that the adults they look after receive the best care possible.

“At times, caring can feel a thankless and difficult job but these ceremonies help to show just how much we value the diligent, professional and conscientious service that they carry out day after day.

“There are so many families that are extremely grateful for the help that carers give to make sure that people can continue to live in their own home, instead of needing a care home placement.

“So please, if you want to nominate a carer that you think is extra special, please pick up a form via your care provider today and submit them back to us to look over.”

Chair of Care at Home Provider Forum, Sandy Bell of The Safehands Group, added: “Home care providers work extremely hard to ensure the quality of carers we send out to Blackpool residents is extremely high.

“Working in partnership with Blackpool Council we want to reward these extremely dedicated and caring staff who always go that extra mile.

“For too long now there has been negative press around carers this event is to highlight the fact that the majority of carers are very professional and do an excellent job for Blackpool residents.”

Nominations forms must be received by 1st September 2016 to be considered.