Celebrating our Choice Care Award Winners

Every year, the Choice Care Awards celebrate the incredible people across our organisation who go above and beyond to support others.

From colleagues working directly with the people we support, to those behind the scenes helping services run smoothly, these awards recognise dedication, compassion and the positive impact our teams make every day.

In this blog of our five-part series, we’re celebrating seven colleagues whose compassion, leadership and commitment stood out this year, including Alicia, winner of the Above & Beyond (South & East) Award; Mukui, winner of the Home/Service Manager (West) Award; and Brenda and Steve winners of the Family Recognition Award.

Care Newcomer Award – Sean

The Care Newcomer Award recognises colleagues who have been with Choice Care for less than 12 months and have already made a meaningful impact through enthusiasm, professionalism and a heartfelt approach to caring.

Sean joined Ravenna Lodge in 2024 in his first ever care role and quickly showed a natural passion for the work. Within just a few months, he progressed into a senior position, always putting others first and embracing every opportunity to help the people we support to live fuller lives. From arranging supported holidays and day trips to helping people build independence through budgeting, cooking and community activities, Sean has helped the people we support experience opportunities many had never had before.

We spoke to Sean, who told us he felt a real sense of pride when he found out he had been nominated, especially as this was his first job in care. Winning the award came as a shock, and he said he felt incredibly thankful to his colleagues and the people he supports, explaining that they are the reason he won.

Sean described his role as helping people explore new opportunities, learn new skills and feel that they truly matter. Before joining Choice Care, he worked in retail as a section leader, a very different role, but one that helped build his confidence and teamwork skills. He said he is proud to work for Choice Care and excited to continue making a difference.

Support Services Superstar Award – Courtney

The Support Services Superstar Award celebrates colleagues working behind the scenes who play a vital role in supporting services and teams across the organisation.

Courtney joined Choice Care in January 2024 and was recognised for her dedication and commitment in her role within the People and Talent team, supporting recruitment and helping services run smoothly.

When we spoke to Courtney, she told us she was very shocked to be nominated, as working in an office role often means you don’t see the direct impact of your work day to day. She said it meant a great deal to know that home managers she had recruited for appreciated the effort she put in to ensure their services were supported with the right people.

Winning the award came as another surprise, but Courtney explained that the recognition has given her confidence and motivation to continue developing her career. She strongly believes in recognising hard work and said that being nominated can make a real difference to someone’s confidence and belief in themselves at work.

People’s Champion Award – Bethany

The People’s Champion Award recognises colleagues who consistently go the extra mile, often without expecting recognition in return.

Bethany has dedicated many years to supporting people at The Hollies, leading by example and always striving to provide the best quality of life for the people she supports. In 2024, she took on the challenge of supporting the transition of two profoundly deaf people we support into a new bungalow. She embraced the challenge head-on and worked tirelessly to create a positive, inclusive and supportive environment for the people we support and colleagues alike.

Bethany told us she hadn’t even realised the awards were happening, having been so focused on her work, and was completely stunned when she received the invitation to attend the ceremony. Hearing her nomination read aloud made her feel incredibly proud of the work she has put into her service over the years, and being announced as the winner was an emotional moment.

She described the ceremony as a wonderful celebration of Choice Care, highlighting the incredible work carried out across the organisation, and said the recognition has encouraged her to keep striving for the best every day.

Alicia – Above & Beyond (South & East)

Alicia has had a transformative impact on Mr K, a young man with autism moving into his own home  for the first time. Her dedication, creativity and calm, compassionate approach helped him settle, develop new skills and grow in confidence. From designing personalised activities and creating communication aids for his team, to introducing him to public transport and supporting him through challenging moments, Alicia has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure he feels safe, understood and empowered.

We spoke to Alicia, who joined Choice Care in December 2023. She told us that when she found out she’d been nominated. “Once it sank in, I felt really happy and proud.”

Hearing her nomination read aloud at the ceremony was an emotional moment. “I honestly didn’t think I would win. Listening to everyone’s stories made me realise how special the work we do really is.”

Alicia describes her day modestly, focusing on creating a calm, supportive environment for Mr K and encouraging her team. Before joining Choice Care, she worked in residential, nursing and dementia care, and later with children with complex health needs. She said she would “absolutely” encourage others to nominate colleagues in future, calling it “a powerful way to show appreciation”.

Mukui – Home / Service Manager (West)

Mukui is known for her strong leadership, empathy and the positive relationships she builds with the people we support and families. The people we support look forward to seeing her, and colleagues describe her as an exceptional manager who leads by example. Her communication, commitment and professionalism create a warm, supportive environment where everyone feels valued and included.

When we spoke to Mukui, who joined Choice Care in 2022, she told us she was “genuinely surprised and incredibly touched” to be nominated. “I don’t come to work expecting recognition – I just try to do my best. Knowing someone took the time to nominate me meant a great deal.”

Winning the award was a moment she said she would always remember. “I felt proud, honoured and a little overwhelmed. The ceremony was uplifting, a real celebration of the hard work happening across the organisation.”

She explained that her days are always varied, focused on ensuring the home runs smoothly, supporting colleagues, liaising with families and creating a nurturing environment. Before joining Choice Care, she managed services for older adults in community and domiciliary care. She added that the award reflects not only her work but the efforts of her entire team.

Now let’s look at the Family Recognition Awards and our winners there. The Family Recognition Award is an award chosen by the families of the people we support. This award is given to an individual or team who the family feel goes above and beyond and provides the best support and care possible for their loved one. They will also have great communication and bond with the family, always making them feel included in every aspect of their loved one’s life.

Brenda – Family Recognition Award (West)

Brenda is described by families as someone who feels “like a family member” in the best possible way. Her warmth, reliability and ability to build meaningful relationships have made a deep impact on the people we support and their loved ones. She supports people with patience, positivity and genuine care and is trusted and valued by everyone around her.

We spoke to Brenda, Deputy Manager at one of our homes, who joined Choice Care in 2018. She told us she was “shocked, excited -then wondered why!” when she heard she’d been nominated.

Winning the award was a proud and emotional moment. “The ceremony was professional but full of fun and excitement. I was so happy -my reaction definitely showed it!”

Brenda’s role includes everything from colleague support and personal care to activities, appointments and keeping in touch with families. Having worked in care “for too many years to remember”, she said the award reminded her that “Choice Care have so many opportunities for colleagues.”

Steve – Family Recognition Award  (South & East) 

One of the families said: “Steve has been absolutely brilliant with my son, J – He shows huge compassion and clearly cares about J’s wellbeing. He is always looking out for him from a health perspective and, where needed, will pursue medical advice/care.  He is also great at keeping me informed, which is appreciated. Overall, Steve is clearly a very caring individual (and a nice guy) and a great ambassador for Choice Care. Please pass on my thanks!” Steve says “I was elated and surprised to win this award. I’ve been with Choice Care for about 17 years and it’s an honour and a privilege to work here and to help the people we support.”

Celebrating the People Who Make a Difference

From new colleagues discovering their passion for care, to those quietly supporting services behind the scenes, and long-standing team members leading with dedication and heart, these award winners reflect the values at the core of Choice Care.

Their stories remind us that every role plays a part in making a difference, and that compassion, commitment and belief can have a powerful impact every single day.