There are only a couple of weeks left to nominate a carer for the Carer’s Award in the Great British Care Award finals. We are looking for unpaid carers to join the current winners from some of the regional awards that took place last autumn. Deadline for entries is 14th May 2012.

The Carer’s Award is a special category for the Great British Care Awards, and will be given to an unpaid carer or former carer who, in the opinion of the judges, can demonstrate commitment and perseverance in helping to bring about better recognition and support for carers. This award seeks to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication that carers show to their local community or society.

This special award is supported by Carers UK, a charity set up to help the millions of people who care for family or friends.  At some point in our lives, every one of us will be involved in looking after an older relative, a sick friend or a disabled family member. Six million people in the UK are caring right now, but while caring is part and parcel of life, without the right support the personal costs of caring can be high.

This important award is also being supported by Nutricia, specialists in the delivery of advanced medical nutrition for the very young, old and vulnerable.

Roger Phillips, Regional Vice President Nutricia UK, said,

“Nutricia are delighted to support the Great British Care Awards and in particular the Carers Award.  We are passionate about working in partnership with carers to ensure they get the best nutritional care for their families.  We are humbled  to learn of the many examples where carers deliver exceptional care, whatever the personal cost to them; and grateful for the opportunity to help recognise and celebrate those individuals.”

Heléna Herklots, Chief Executive of Carers UK said,

"Good care services can change the lives of carers and the ill or disabled loved-ones they care for. Carer UK is proud to be the charity partner for the Carer’s Award as part of the Great British Care Awards. This award recognises the enormous contribution that carers make in bringing about improved recognition and support for carers in their local communities, as well as celebrating the services and individuals who make a real difference to families’ lives by delivering excellence in care.”

Glen Mason, Director for People, Communities and Local Government from the Department of Health said,

"Recognising and rewarding the vital work that social care workers do is key to raising their status. Quality care begins with quality workers. Carers are expert partners in care often working in partnership with the care sector. The Department of Health is proud to support the Great British Care Awards and their ground breaking work in celebrating and rewarding the very best in our sector. We are delighted that the GBCA is continuing to innovate and will recognise the central contribution that carers make in the sector. Carers work tirelessly day in day out caring and supporting loved one, friends and family. Carers are key in our sector and the recognition that the Great British Care Awards will give though this award is to be warmly welcomed."

Lisa Carr, Director of the Great British Care Awards said,

“We are delighted that Carers UK and Nutricia are supporting this special Carer’s Award.  The endorsement of such a well-regarded national charity will ensure that this award category gains the high profile it so highly deserves.  Without the millions of unpaid carers many of the elderly and vulnerable members of our communities would not be able to remain independent in their own homes.  We look forward to receiving the nominations which will doubtless prove to be of an extremely high calibre.”

Sarah Pickup, President of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services said,

"ADASS is delighted to support the Great British Care Awards and is especially pleased to see the addition of the unpaid Carers award. While the social care workforce does a great job in supporting  vulnerable people, carers are partners in the delivery of care and often provide the majority of care and support day in and day out. It is right that this major role should be recognised."

Nomination forms can be downloaded and submitted online at www.care-awards.co.uk/entry-form.php

Closing date for entries is 14 May 2012

To book your table call 0115 959 6130 or email [email protected]

Places are limited so please book early to avoid disappointment. 

Lets celebrate social care and help it get the recognition it deserves.

For more information on The Great British Care Awards please visit our web site at: www.care-awards.co.uk