An awards event is being held to recognise professionals across the care industry.
The Care Professional of the Year awards ceremony will be taking place at Leicester Racecourse on Thursday 24 November. It has been organised by Inspired to Care, a Leicestershire County Council team encouraging people to consider a career in adult social care.
Finalists have been nominated by their peers, colleagues, or users of the care service, recognising those that have overcome challenges or have gone above and beyond in delivering care to the people of Leicester and Leicestershire.
Leicestershire County Council and Leicester City Council are working in conjunction with Inspired to Care, representing local government interest—and gratitude—for carers throughout the area.
According to Skills for Care, there were around 16,500 adult social care jobs in Leicestershire last year, working for local authority or independent sectors.
Councillor Sarah Russell, deputy city mayor for social care and anti-poverty at Leicester City Council, said: “We know that adult social care services are under immense pressure at the moment and so – as well as lobbying for change - it’s more important than ever that we recognise and applaud the dedicated workers that have such a passion for improving lives.
“We need to encourage people with the right skills to become care professionals, and part of that is showing people locally that they will be truly appreciated and valued for their work.
“Everyone needs a helping hand at some point in their lives, so let’s make sure we give the care sector the respect it deserves.”
Councillor Christine Radford, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for adults and communities, said: “Adult social care professionals provide an excellent service for the community; we’re grateful for their hard work and compassion, it changes the lives of Leicester and Leicestershire residents. It’s only right that we give these people the recognition they deserve. They’re an inspiration to us all and I’m looking forward to celebrating the nominees and their achievements.”
The categories are made up of a variety of care roles to reflect the breadth of roles available within the industry. These include Care Leader, Mental Health Professional, Learning Disability Professional and Volunteer of the Year.
Care professionals are being recognised for their standout achievements, with awards for Newcomer of the Year and Lifetime Achievement award. Care groups will also have a chance to shine, with the Care Member of the Year award. An overall winner will also be announced for the final award of the evening, the Care Professional of the Year Award. The winners will be announced on the night.
Sponsors for the event have come from all walks of Leicestershire life, from care providers to the National Space Centre. Other sponsors consist of: Wood St Optical, 3ABCare, Leicester City Council, Leicester Racecourse, Everyone Active, RoundSy, Enable Inclusive Support and Gorse Hill City Farm.
Across Leicestershire, there are social care jobs waiting for people who have the right values to change lives and shape the future of social care.
For more information about working in care, and the Inspired to Care team, visit www.inspiredtocare.co.uk
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