Hundreds of care workers from across country were honoured at the prestigious Chewton Glen Hotel in the New Forest, as Agincare marked the fourth year of its national heroes awards – one of the UK care sector’s largest independent recognition events.
With workforce challenges at the forefront of social care, the Agincare Heroes Awards celebrates its 4,000 strong team and shines a light on the vital contribution of direct care workers and the need for continued recognition across the sector.
Among the winners was Julie Marrs of Victory Care Home in Chatham, who received the prestigious Agincare Hero Medal in recognition of more than 52 years of dedicated service to social care- just five days before beginning her well-earned retirement.”
Chatham born and bred, Julie said:
“I am bursting with appreciation for Agincare awarding me with their hero medal, which was also very special as it was presented the same week I retired.
“While I am the one who received this award, I am truly one of many caring hands, which is why I am so proud to of been part of such an amazing team at Victory Care Home for the majority of my career.
“When I started my first role at Medway Homes as a care assistant when I was 17 years old, I would never have imagined that 52 years later I would be looking back with a smile on how lucky I have been to work in a profession that I truly loved.
“Although I won’t be leaving Victory completely as I will be visiting regularly as a volunteer”.
Earlier this year, the awards attracted more than 750 nominations from colleagues, clients, families, friends, and professionals across health and social care – including the NHS, local authorities, and partner organisations.
Winners in 11 award categories collected a specially designed trophy or Agincare Hero medal, honorary certificate, as well as a bouquet and financial recognition from Agincare Founder and Chairman Derek Luckhurst and Chief Executive Raina Summerson.
Five workers were awarded the Agincare Hero Medal, amongst the highest honours in social care, recognising extraordinary feats of bravery, dedication and lifelong commitment to the profession.
The awards were sponsored by key Agincare partners: Brakes were the main sponsor and chef of the year award category whilst Blueleaf (care team), Bates Office Services (Support Service) and Advani (Rising Star) also sponsored award categories. Mediahawk and NH Maintenance also supported the awards.
Independent care provider Agincare launched its national Agincare Heroes Awards as part of its commitment to raising the profile of the many thousands of dedicated care and support workers who carry out this crucial and often unappreciated role in society.
Opening the awards Agincare Director Adam Luckhurst said:
“Since we first gathered for these awards after the pandemic, the Agincare Heroes Awards have become the biggest event in our social calendar. A time for us to celebrate our extraordinary team members who go above and beyond.
“These are the people who make us truly great. They are the ones who have helped build and protect our lasting reputation as one of the nation’s most trusted care providers.
“Year after year, Agincare continues to grow sustainably and independently. As a family-owned care provider, we do things differently. Unlike so many others, big or small, we’re not driven by distant investors or private equity groups looking to make a quick buck and move on. We’re here for the long term. Here for the thousands of people we support, for their families, and for our wonderful team members who make it all possible.”
The event closed with heartfelt thanks from Derek Luckhurst and Raina Summerson, marking another unforgettable celebration of the people at the heart of Agincare’s success.
For more information or to find out who all the award winners were go to www.agincare.com/heroes
