Suffolk Care industry celebrates progress and achievements with a night to remember

The Suffolk Care Awards 2023, hosted by the distinguished Dr. Sabina Brennan, was a showcase of inspiration, gratitude, and celebration as stakeholders, care providers, clients, and their families came together to honour the remarkable achievements in providing exceptional care provisions regionally. Held at the elegant Milsoms in Kesgrave, this prestigious event marked a significant milestone in recognising and applauding the dedication of the Suffolk care sector.

With a record number of nominations, and nine categories celebrated, the night was a true testament to the growing profile of the care industry locally.

The awards, organised by Care Development East, serve as an annual platform to highlight the progress and innovation within the Suffolk care industry. This year, with the indomitable Dr. Sabina Brennan 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, CEO of Care Development East, reflected on the success of the evening, saying, “The Suffolk Care Awards have once again brought our community together to celebrate the exceptional strides made in the care sector. This year was particularly special as we introduced three new award categories, recognising Health and Wellbeing, Equality and Diversity, and Ambassador of the Year. These additions emphasise our commitment to fostering positive change and inclusivity within the industry.”

The Suffolk Care Awards 2023 featured nine prestigious award categories, each celebrating excellence and innovation in care. We are thrilled to announce the deserving winners:

• Ambassador of the Year – Lee Sweetlove, East of England Ambulance Service
• End of Life Care – Sarah’s Carers
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – Asterbury Place, Asterbury Place – Care UK
• Health and Wellbeing – Montrose House, Suffolk Mind
• Innovative Practice – Primary Homecare, Primary Homecare
• Inspirational Leadership – Sandra O’Grady, Holmwood Care
• Large Team of the Year – Seckford Care
• Professional Development – Sarah Jones, Focus Care Agency
• Small Team of the Year – Merryfields, Merryfields Care Home

Each award recipient exemplifies the spirit of dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to providing top-notch care to Suffolk’s residents. Their stories and accomplishments serve as an inspiration to us all, reminding us of the positive impact that the care sector has on our community.

Merryfields Care Home in Felixstowe emerged victorious in the Small Team of the Year category, thanks to their dedication to forging meaningful connections among their residents and fostering a rich tapestry of diverse cultures. This approach has enabled residents to gain a deeper understanding of one another. In response to their well-deserved win, Samantha Shapwanale, Registered Manager at Merryfields remarked, “We are absolutely delighted to have won in this category. It’s a testament to the incredible team effort and the genuine sense of community we’ve cultivated here. Our residents are like family to us, and we are committed to continuing our mission of supporting friendships across the sector and celebrating all of the cultures that enrich our lives here. This recognition only fuels our passion to provide the best possible care and support for our residents as we move forward.”

Sarah Seaman  from Sarah Carers, who won the End of Life Care award commented; “This award holds profound significance for myself and Nicola personally, much of our passion for care and quality is a tribute to my late husband. We are deeply grateful to our exceptional team members who make this level of care possible it’s a testament to our team’s commitment to making a positive impact during the most vulnerable stage of our clients’ lives. We understand that the memories created in the final days and weeks stay with families forever. That’s why we believe it is an honour to be entrusted with the responsibility of providing compassionate, dignified, and comprehensive end of life care. Receiving this award is not only a validation of our efforts but also a reminder of our ongoing commitment to excellence.

The Suffolk Care Awards 2023 will be remembered not only for its winners but for the collective spirit of progress and achievement that filled the room. It was a night that showcased the resilience and dedication of the care industry and underscored its vital role in shaping the well-being of the region.

Photo Credit:  Gavin King Photography