The 2024 Kent Care Awards, held on September 13th, was a glittering celebration of the unsung heroes and pioneering innovators within the social care sector.
Hosted by the Kent Integrated Care Alliance (KiCA), the star-studded event—headlined by surprise guest The Only Way is Essex star James Argent—was a night filled with recognition and inspiring stories.
The awards acknowledged individuals, teams, and organisations that have made exceptional contributions to Kent’s social care landscape.
James brought a touch of showbiz glamour to the evening, enhancing the lively atmosphere while celebrating the tireless efforts of carers across the county. The event featured a wide range of award categories, from frontline care workers to technological innovators, showcasing the depth of talent and dedication within the sector.
One of the night’s most prestigious honours, the Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award, was presented to Laura Guntrip, Partner at Lester Aldridge Solicitors. Laura’s unwavering dedication to supporting care providers through legal challenges has made a profound impact on the social care sector.
Other notable winners highlighted the depth of talent in Kent and Medway’s care sector. Among the night’s standout moments was the presentation of the Technology Innovation Award to Lisa Selling and Hannah Neal-Donald of Hilton Nursing Partners, whose pioneering approach is revolutionising care delivery. The Recruitment, Retention & Recognition Award went to Jessica Callaghan and Hilton Nursing Partners, recognising her remarkable efforts in fostering a supportive and sustainable workforce. The Palliative Care Award was presented to Rebecca James from Grenham Bay Court for her compassionate work in end-of-life care.
On the frontline of care, Sharon Daly of ACL Home Plus Ltd took home the Ancillary Worker - Frontline Award for her exceptional contributions. The Care Newcomer Award was awarded to Helen Dirani of Athlone Care, marking her as a promising new talent in the industry. The LD/MH Team Award was claimed by Arshdeep Singh, Manvir Singh, Pranav Sharma, and Harpreet Kaur from Curant Care Maidstone for their outstanding work in supporting individuals with learning disabilities and mental health needs.
In recognition of emerging talent, Beth Hatcher was honoured with the Rising Star Award, while Michael Park of LDC Care Co. was named Registered Manager (LD/MH)for his exemplary leadership. In the residential care sector, Team Alpine of Regal Care Trading Ltd took home the Residential Care Team (OPPD) Award, while Julie Twyman was recognised as the Dementia Champion for her tireless advocacy in dementia care. Derek Kirkaldie of Avondale Kent earned the Community Support Worker (LD/MH)Award for his dedication to serving individuals in the community.
Kelly Skiggs of NICH Ltd - Alexander House was presented with the Residential Care Worker (OPPD) Award for her excellence in residential care, and Vicki Wilks of East Kent Mencap Herne Bay Hub received the Putting People First Award, applauding her commitment to person-centred care. The Apprenticeship Award was claimed by Clarke Harrison from Better Lives Supported Living, highlighting his hard work and growth in the field. The Community Care Worker Award went to Natasha Radford, while Joanne Ferguson, Danielle Ambler, Pam Watson, and Amanda Davies of Tender Loving Carers Domiciliary Ltd won the Community Care Team Award for their dedication to home care.
In the back office, Lesley Soper was honoured with the Ancillary Back Office Award for her behind-the-scenes work in ensuring seamless care operations. Karen Sinclair of Aspirations Care received the Frontline Leader Award for her leadership in direct care services. The prestigious Residential Registered Manager (OPPD) Award was won by Chris Walton Turner of Hawkhurst House Care Home for his outstanding management and leadership, while Jody Lewis was recognised with the Social Care Nurse Award for her clinical excellence.
In the community care sector, Lynn James-Wellings of Care First 24 Ltd received the Community Care Registered Manager Award, and Patrick Eweh of Manor Care Homes Ltd was presented with the Residential Support Worker (LD/MH) Award for his work in supporting residents with learning disabilities and mental health needs. Lastly, the Care Nutrition Award went to Basanta Poudel of Avante Care & Support for the vital role in ensuring residents receive nutritious and well-balanced meals.
Ann Taylor Chair of the Kent Integrated Care Alliance said: “The Kent Care Awards once again placed a spotlight on the incredible people, teams and companies in social care across our region. The success of the event is made possible through the generous support of the event sponsors, whose contributions make sure we can shine a light on these amazing achievements.”
This year’s generous sponsors were:
Florence
UB Healthcare
Citation
Christie& Co
Complete Care Recruitment
Primcura Healthcare
Championing Social Care
CWC
Kent Care professionals
Lester Aldridge
RWK Goodman
The Kent Care Awards are a testament to the importance of community collaboration in recognising and appreciating the value of care work. By supporting this event, the sponsors have helped raise the profile of social care in Kent and Medway and contributed to fostering a culture of excellence within the sector.
