A glittering awards ceremony on the edge of Watford has honoured the dedication and impact of Hertfordshire's care professionals.
The 15th annual Hertfordshire Care Awards, organised by the Hertfordshire Care Providers Association (HCPA), took place at the Hunton Park Hotel and brought together nearly 400 care staff, providers, and supporters to celebrate excellence in adult social care.
The awards shine a light on those making a real difference across residential care, home care, and community support services.
Wesley Strahan-Hughes, operations director at HCPA and host of the evening on Thursday, June 26, said: "Every year we are heartened by the number of wonderful nominations we receive and the brilliant work being delivered across the adult social care sector in Hertfordshire.
"This evening is the culmination of a year’s work to collate and judge the nominations, and we would like to extend a huge thank you to our judging panel at Hertfordshire County Council, our event sponsors, and the staff who have all worked hard to ensure the event is such a positive experience for everyone involved."
Guests enjoyed a meal, live entertainment from Shelby Street, and messages of congratulations from celebrities including Craig Revel Horwood, Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd, drag performer La Voix, and Gavin and Stacey’s Mathew Horne.
Nearly £2,000 was raised for The Care Workers’ Charity, which supports care staff facing financial hardship.
Among the evening's winners was Lisa Banda of L&F Care Services, who took home the Outstanding Achievement in Homecare award.
Doves Care Agency won Most Innovative Homecare Team, while the Engagement Team at St Andrews, B&M was awarded the Contribution to Care Award.
In residential care, Colin Lines of Mountbatten Lodge, Quantum Care, won the Compassion Award, and the Treetops Namaste Team at Belmont View, Quantum Care, was named Most Innovative Residential Care Team.
Other winners included Kerry Hutson of Partners in Support for Outstanding Achievement in Adult Disability or Mental Health Support and Knightingles Healthcare, which won Most Innovative Adult Disability or Mental Health Support Team.
HCPA said the awards remain a vital way to recognise the "skill, commitment and compassion" of Hertfordshire’s adult social care workforce and highlight the value care providers bring to communities across the county.
