The Care Employer Award – North

Winner: Safe Haven Adolescent Care Group Ltd

Sarah’s visionary leadership has transformed Safe Haven from a single residence into a network of six homes, providing shelter and support for numerous children. Her unwavering compassion and dedication have been instrumental in shaping the organization into what it is today.

Highly Commended: Forevercare

I’ve witnessed the unwavering commitment of directors Neville Rodgers, Angie Ridell, and Fraser Rodgers to enhance the lives of children and young people.  Forevercare is a welcoming and appreciative employer, with hands-on directors dedicated to improving outcomes for children.

The Care Employer Award – South

Winner: Cafcass

Bound by a shared mission, Cafcass are committed to amplifying the distinct voices of children and young individuals within the family court. Their foremost priority is to prioritize the needs, wishes, and emotions of children when pivotal decisions are under consideration.

Highly Commended: Sure Care Residential Ltd The White Trees Group

This employer nurtures a dedicated workforce, with comprehensive training and opportunities for advancement. Their commitment to “building brighter futures” remains central to the organization’s ethos.

The Care Employer Award – Central

Winner: Stepping Stones

A unique and exceptional care organization, characterized by its sincere dedication, keen interest, and commitment to collaborating with care professionals. They establish strong bonds, working in tandem to drive positive change and enhance the lives of children.

Highly Commended: Families First Fostring

Families First is a close-knit therapeutic fostering agency, fostering a family-like atmosphere where every employee feels valued and respected with no staff leaving since 2020.

The Newcomer Award

Winner: Dawn Cadwell – Safe Haven Adolescent Care Group Ltd

Dawn encompasses all of the attributes it takes to be an amazing care worker to children. Dawn is a great role model and will be there not only for the children but also her team.

Highly Commended: Andrew Bradshaw – Attivo Care

He engaged creatively, gaining young people’s trust, and addressing their needs. His ability to connect with them on their terms, advocate, advise, and handle tough conversations sets him apart, providing valuable support.

The Support Worker Award (North)

Winner: Sue Bailey, Pegasus House

Sue’s resolute determination and unwavering can-do attitude set her apart, rendering her an outstanding support worker.

Highly Commended: Mark Storey, Crystal Care Solutions

Mark Storey’s dedication to children’s services over twelve years is truly exceptional. He mentors new staff, sharing his valuable experience, knowledge, and expertise. As a key worker at Crystal Care, he maintains the highest standards, helping children with independence, education, and health needs.

The Support Worker Award (South)

Winner: Marcel Ugolor-Drummond, Step up Children and Family Service

Marcel serves as an impeccable role model for the boys under his care, demonstrating that strength and gentleness can coexist in men. He inspires them to understand that life offers choices, and it’s within their power to shape their own paths.

Highly Commended:  Dave Wenman, Higher Coombe

Dave is a remarkable support worker who continuously strives to provide the best experiences for children in care. His kindness, empathy, and dedication shine through his work.Dave’s modesty about his skills makes him even more admirable

The Support Worker Award (Central)

Winner:Charlie Piggott, Nurture Care Group

Charlie has played a pivotal role in providing children with genuine therapeutic parenting, ensuring their safety and nurturing them with love. Her contributions exemplify the company she represents and elevate its reputation.

Highly Commended: Danielle Spencer, Homes2inspire

She goes to great lengths to provide the best possible care to the young people in our home. Danielle is deeply invested in their well-being, forging strong relationships with each of them.

The Children’s Home Manager Award (North)

Winner: Natalie Johnson, Oak House Exceptional Care

Natalie’s journey is a testament to her unyielding persistence, dedication, and remarkable leadership in shaping her service. Through her tireless efforts, she has transformed her home, passionately advocating for both the children and the staff team. Even in the face of resistance, she remains undaunted in her pursuit of her goals.

Highly Commended: Kirsty Donaldson, Artemis Support LTD

Her unwavering commitment and leadership are commendable. Kirsty’s dedication, love for the youth, and positive culture creation stands out. Her collaboration and tenacity in achieving the best outcomes for children are exceptional.

The Children’s Home Manager Award (South)

Winner: Zoe Sainsbury, Park Blue Homes

Zoe stands as an impassioned leader with a profound insight into the requirements of young individuals. She has skilfully moulded her service to provide high-quality care within an authentic family-like setting.

Highly Commended: Claire Akers, Benecare

Since 2020, Claire transformed an “Inadequate” home into one with a consistent “Good” rating by Ofsted. She prioritizes the well-being and education of young people, achieving notable progress. Claire’s unwavering child-centered approach and focus on leadership and safeguarding make her a deserving advocate for youth.

The Children’s Home Manager Award (Central)

Winner: Simon Roberts, Amberleigh Care

Simon’s fervour for his role and the therapeutic community at The Oaks radiated brilliantly, as he truly comprehended the significance of investing in and forging developmental paths for the staff team. This investment translates into improved outcomes for the young people under their care.

Highly Commended: Kim Stafford, Bright Life Living

Through Kim’s dedication and compassion, she creates a haven where children thrive and flourish, transforming their lives for the better.

The Frontline Leader Award

Winner: Syreeta Shah, Apple Tree House Children’s home

Syreeta’s unwavering commitment is a testament to her tireless efforts in providing a sense of safety and love to every child in her care. Her dedication as a leader is truly remarkable, as she makes herself accessible to both staff and children around the clock, ensuring their well-being and support without bounds.

Highly Commended: Rick Guy, Next stage 4 life

Rick’s passion for providing top-notch care and enhancing outcomes for our young people is evident.  His commitment and appreciation shine through in his efforts.

The Senior Manager Award

Winner: Samantha Walshaw, Children & Young People’s Service, Wakefield Council

Samantha is a pioneer in the field of children’s residential care, and through her innovative approach and diligence, she has established services where previously disenfranchised young individuals can not only thrive but also realize their aspirations.

Highly Commended: Jordan Haslam,Netheredge Care Ltd

Jordans unwavering passion and dedication to creating a safe and nurturing environment for children and young people at Netheredge. His commitment to ensuring positive outcomes and enjoyable experiences is commendable.

The Children’s Home Team Award (North)

Mark Bruffell, Witherslack Group

Mark and his team are champions of empowerment, tirelessly breaking down internal and external barriers for the young residents. Their unwavering advocacy on behalf of the youth is truly praiseworthy, and it greatly contributes to the warm and inclusive atmosphere that envelops the home.

The Children’s Home Team Award (South)

Winner: Team, St Elizabeth’s Children’s Home Team

The team nurtures and fosters genuine connections with the children through their dedication to ensuring the well-being of the young people is their top priority.

Highly Commended: Jessica Mitchell, Homes2Inspire

Their dedication goes beyond a job, supporting the youth through all aspects of life.

It’s clear that the team’s hard work has made a significant impact on the lives of these young people, who now have a place they can truly call home.

The Children’s Home Team Award (Central)

Winner: The Team, Apple Tree House

The staff experiences a profound sense of support, assistance, and genuine concern, which, in turn, empowers them to make a positive and meaningful impact on the well-being of the children.

Highly Commended: Carters house, Bright life living

Carters House has undergone a remarkable journey, thanks to an exceptional staff team dedicated to providing top-quality care for the children. Their commitment, love, and advocacy have led to significant progress and milestones for each child.

The Foster Carer Award

Winner: Helen Clarke and Steven Rickleton, Gateshead Council Fostering Service

Your dedication to these young individuals has allowed them the opportunity to stay together as sibling groups, allowing them a life they might never have otherwise experienced.

Highly Commended: Mary and Les Pitman, Fostering Solutions

Mary and Les, experienced foster parents since 2002 and are dedicated caregivers. Mary and Les provide outstanding care and their commitment is truly commendable.

The Fostering and Adoption Award

Rachel Victoria Davies, Families First Fostering

They have established a unique, tailor-made fostering agency that delivers the utmost in therapeutic support, ensuring exceptional placement stability and verifiable progress for the children in their care.

The Biggest Impact Award (individual)

Marie Jevon, Include ‘In’ Autism

Marie’s remarkable contributions, unwavering dedication, and tireless efforts have unquestionably wrought transformative change in the lives of numerous young individuals, instilling in them the belief and confidence to reach their full potential.

Highly Commended: Andrei Celik, Kisimul Group Ltd

As a Music Therapist, Andrei has a profound impact on children and young people with complex needs. Tailoring his approach, he fosters self-awareness, emotional regulation, and confidence. Andrei exemplifies the transformative power of music therapy for individuals with complex needs.

The Biggest Impact Award (Team)

Kinship Care Team, Gateshead Council

The team’s unwavering passion and dedication toward their shared vision are evident as they collaborate with individuals who have experienced profound trauma, guiding them in processing and comprehending their circumstances.

Highly Commended: Kate Aspray/Zoe Hovels, ASYE Academy team

The success of the academy is attributed to Kate and Zoe’s unwavering dedication and commitment. They embody social work values and prioritize the importance of relationships, which extends to their work with families.

The Safeguarding of Children Award

Tom Dennison, Intervention Children’s Home

Tom’s exceptional leadership extends beyond his role as a registered manager.  Under his leadership, children in complex safeguarding situations have achieved positive outcomes, which is a rarity. Tom’s collaboration with local councillors to address issues like drug dens demonstrates his commitment to child protection.

Highly Commended: Breaking the Cycle Project – Bradford District Youth Services

Breaking the Cycle’s youth work practitioners exhibit exceptional dedication and expertise. Their intelligence-led, intensive interventions are a lifeline for young people at risk of serious organized violence, exploitation, and drug-related issues.

The Children with Disabilities Award

Wakefield Awareness and Support Programme, KIDS Charity

This organization undeniably creates a substantial, positive impact on the lives of the children and families they assist. They achieve this through the implementation of personalized, comprehensive programs.

Highly Commended: Helena Aitken – 21 Huntley Avenue

Helena is a remarkable, passionate, and compassionate individual who prioritizes the children in her care. She actively coordinates with professionals and families to ensure up-to-date care plans and consistency within the team.

The Leaving Care Award

The Team, Next Steps

The Next Steps Team provides an elevated standard of care and quality for young individuals transitioning from care. The team’s unwavering commitment is directed toward affording these young people optimal opportunities as they embark on full independence, and their support continues for as long as it is required.

Highly Commended: Jessica Massam, The Meadows

Jess played a crucial role in helping a young person gain independence by obtaining essential identification. Jess’s adaptability and dedication means she always meets the needs of young people.

The Wellbeing Award

Jeanette McMenamin, Bayview childcare

Her exceptional kindness, unwavering passion, and sheer joy in spending time with each and every child make an immense and lasting difference in their lives. Her warm and nurturing approach fosters not only a sense of safety but also a deep sense of belonging, leaving a profound impact.

Highly Commended: Becca Archer, Park House

Becca’s unwavering dedication to enhancing staff and young people’s well-being is commendable, making her a deserving candidate. She prioritizes a positive and nurturing environment through various initiatives.

The Partnership Working Award

FJYPB, Family Justice Young People’s Board

The Family Justice Young People’s Board offers a vital platform for Children and Young People to openly share their own lived experiences, enabling them to play an active role in shaping and influencing positive change within the Family Court Process

Highly Commended: Sarah Laster, Comfort Cases UK

Sarah’s deep empathy and dedication drive the charity’s mission to ensure all children move with respect and ownership. The motto, “If it’s not good enough for my children, it’s not good enough for any child,” continues to inspire the charity’s expansion and goal to assist children.

The Children’s Champion Award

Nazma Liaqat, Polaris Community

Nazma’s dedication goes far beyond the scope of her role in assisting young unaccompanied asylum seekers, ensuring that they are not only welcomed but also provided with comprehensive support, enabling them to understand and integrate as seamlessly as possible.

Highly Commended: Laura Owen, Consistent Quality Care

Her unwavering commitment has transformed the lives of young individuals. Laura’s relentless efforts go beyond words, positively impacting the lives of the kids under her care.

The Children and Families Social Worker Award

Adam Harrison, Wakefield Council

Adam Harrison has embraced the challenges faced with remarkable enthusiasm. Adam’s progress in learning has been outstanding, driven by their exceptional capability and proactive pursuit of opportunities for personal and professional development. Moreover, Adam consistently extends their support to the team whenever it is required.

Highly Commended: Poppie Fellows, Nottinghamshire County Council Children Services

Poppies’ compassionate and thoughtful approach places the well-being of the young person at the forefront. Any young person would be fortunate to have Poppie as their social worker.

The Supported Accommodation Award

David Thompson – The Inicio Group

Founded by David Thompson, who draws from his own life experiences, this innovative organization has established an inclusive service designed by and for young people. It stands as a groundbreaking institution that sets the standard for Supported Accommodation services,

Highly Commended: The Team- The Fabric Family

The FABRIC Family, a social enterprise group, pioneer’s trauma-informed supported accommodation making a difference daily and changes lives in unexpected ways.

The Young Carer Award

Tiahna Wilson

Tiahna’s unwavering dedication distinguishes her as an extraordinary young carer for her Gran and Papa, warranting recognition that genuinely mirrors the profound love and gratitude she so abundantly deserves.

The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care

David Thompson – The Inicio Group

David is an exceptional individual who has dedicated his life to empowering children and young people to unlock their full potential. His profound passion and unwavering drive stem from personal experiences that have profoundly influenced his organization’s vision and core values.

Highly Commended: Jo Speight, Wakefield Council

The impact she has on individuals and her community is immeasurable, making her an inspiration and an embodiment of selflessness in social work.

The Lifetime Achievement Award

Karen Jackson, Salutem Care and Education

With over 26 years of experience, Karen’s exceptional leadership at Salutem as Divisional Director has transformed children’s services. Karen’s impact on the care sector is immeasurable.