A night of celebration for the Suffolk Care Industry – celebrating achievements with an unforgettable evening

The Suffolk Care Awards 2024, hosted by the esteemed Angela Rippon CBE, was a celebration of inspiration, gratitude, and achievement. Stakeholders, care providers, clients, and their families gathered to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments in delivering outstanding care across the region. Held at Milsoms in Kesgrave, this prestigious event marked a significant milestone in recognising and applauding the dedication and commitment of the Suffolk care sector.

This year, with Angela at the helm, the event resonated with a sense of unity and purpose, as attendees celebrated the individuals and organisations who make a profound impact on the lives of those they serve.

Christian Bone, Chief Executive of Care Development East, said: “We were delighted to have Angela Rippon, a dedicated advocate for social care and co-chair of The Prime Minister’s Champion Group on Dementia Friendly Communities, presenting this year’s awards.

“The judges had a tough job with so many inspiring nominations, especially after a challenging few years for social care. It was uplifting to celebrate the incredible talent in our sector, and we congratulate all the winners and finalists for their outstanding contributions.

“The care sector plays a vital role in community wellbeing, and these awards provide a great opportunity to recognise those efforts. We are also grateful to our sponsors for their invaluable support in making this event possible.”

Angela Rippon CBE, the host of the evening, remarked, “It was an immense privilege to be part of the eighth annual Suffolk Care Awards. As someone who actively supports dementia care through my work with Dementia Friendly Communities and as an Ambassador for the Alzheimer’s Society, I understand just how crucial this sector is.

“The incredible dedication of every individual in the social care field plays a vital role in improving the lives of others. I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the finalists and winners of the evening. It was a remarkable event, and I was delighted to be a part of it!”

The Suffolk Care Awards 2024 featured ten prestigious award categories, each celebrating excellence and innovation in care. We are thrilled to announce the deserving winners:

• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Merryfields Care Home
• Ambassador of the Year – Shaun Draper from Cephas Care
• Environmental Innovation – Avocet Court
• Health and Wellbeing – Merryfields Care Home
• End of Life Care – Cedrus House
• Developing Young People Award – Mia Kendry and Toni Woods
• Inspirational Leadership – Amanda Jackson from Beccles Care Home
• Professional Development – Joanna McCall from Home Instead and Antony Link from Merryfields Care Home
• Small Team of the Year – Ocala Healthcare
• Large Team of the Year – Haverhill Community care

An additional award, the Lifetime Contribution Award, was presented to Prema Fairburn in recognition of her 50 years of service as a registered nurse. Currently serving as the Chairperson of the Suffolk Care Association (SCA), Prema has volunteered tirelessly since the organisation’s inception in June 2006. This award celebrates her significant contributions to the health and care sector throughout the years.

Preema commented on her award `I am honoured to have received a Lifetime Contribution Award.  It was a complete surprise taking me off guard, but I truly appreciate being recognised for the work that I have done over the span of my 50 year career in nursing and social care.  Thank you, Care Development East for organising this’.

Amanda Jackson from Beccles Care Home said of her award for Inspirational Leadership – “I was completely shocked when my name was called. There were a few tears shed when I got to the stage, but I’m absolutely over the moon. Beccles Care Home has come so far in such a short space of time since Black Swan took over the home in December 2022. We’re a great team and have worked so hard to raise the profile of our home in the Beccles community. It’s such a pleasure to support people living with dementia.”

The Suffolk Care Awards team would like to thank the sponsors – Suffolk County Council, Insight2 Mental Health, Christies Care, Newline Anglia, Suffolk New College, Suffolk Care Association, Switch Direction, Blue Star HR and Care Development East, for supporting this year’s awards.

Photo Credit:  (Suffolk Care Awards 2024) Gavin King Photography