The sixth Kent Care Awards brought together social care workers from across Kent for a glittering evening to celebrate and recognise the sector. 
Ann Taylor Chair of KiCA and organisers of the Kent Care Awards, had this to say: “Who would have thought the social care sector would have faced the past 18 months that it has. And even though it seems like light is at the end of the tunnel, we all know we are now dealing with a very different care future. This makes these awards all the more important. To be able to come together, celebrate, and recognise the unfaltering work of individuals who have simply gone above and beyond, sometimes at the sacrifice of their own families, to care. I’m just so privileged to be part of it and very proud of every single person who makes the care sector what it is.”
First winner of the evening was Abigail Draper (Lifestyle and Marketing Manager) and RCH Care Homes for the Care Innovator Award for the groups monthly Lifestyle Campaign; which was first started in July of 2020 to support the teams during lockdowns.
The effectiveness of the campaigns can be seen through photographs, social media posts, Tik Tok videos, Tweets and YouTube videos which the residents, their loved ones and teams happily share and comment on.
It is also evident in the very special and meaningful moments when the team are able to discover a new connection with a resident’s life history through a themed event, activity or when we have been able to honour and support a resident and their family to celebrate a meaningful part of their life.
The nights second winner was Nurse Abbi Ramsden from Park View Care Centre in Ashford. Abbi was awarded the Specialist Care Champion Award for showing exceptional insight and empathy and going above and beyond what is normally expected within her role.
The judges felt she had truly achieved trusting relationships with her role that enabled the people she cares and supports to flourish, be better understood and enjoy a better quality of life.
Abbi was presented her award for Head Resident Roger Neve, “I’m very proud to win this award. Being a nurse at Park View isn’t a job, it’s a part of my life and I cherish every resident in my care.
The team here are amazing, from the carers, housekeepers, admin, reception and maintenance – it’s their award too. It is such a privilege to care for our residents and support them and their families through their darkest days and I hope that what we do makes those days a little brighter “.
We were also really proud to have two other finalists at the awards, Kim Tandy from Maidstone Care Centre who was nominated in the Newcomer Award and Emma Hernandez-Wyatt who was also nominated in the Care Innovator Award.
Abbi and Abigail will now go on to become finalists at the South East Great British Care Awards.
