Carers in the spotlight at REED Care Awards

Baroness Joan Bakewell has called on UK carers to monitor how the Health and Social Care Bill may impact their lives. She made this announcement as three care workers were recognised by REED Social Care for their outstanding contributions to the nation’s caring community, being named as winners at the prestigious 2011 Reed Care Awards ceremony at The Waldorf hotel.

The winning carers were:

• Social Worker of the Year - Eric Merriot, from South West adoption agency ‘Families for Children’
• Carer of the Year for Adults - Amy Raybould, from the Park View Care Centre in Kent
• Carer of the Year for Children and Young People - Valerie Barzey, a foster carer from Newcastle

For the second year running, the awards were judged and presented by Baroness Joan Bakewell DBE, the former government voice for older people. She commented: “Judging was very difficult this year as we had so many excellent entries from all over the country. But, Eric, Amy and Valerie stood out as winners as they all have gone over and above the normal call of duty, showing an exceptional level of commitment to caring for those in need.”

Baroness Bakewell also delivered a keynote speech at the awards which emphasised the importance of carers being aware of the changes that the Health and Social Care Bill may bring upon them. The Health and Social Care Bill is currently passing through Parliament and proposes radical changes to the NHS while also strengthening the role of the Care Quality Commission.

Baroness Bakewell explained: “As a country, we need to ensure that our 6.4 million carers are properly valued and supported. Some of the ways we can do this are by making sure that the carers’ allowance allows carers to support themselves; by encouraging employers to grant carers the flexibility they need to continue their job and their caring responsibilities; and through guaranteeing that carers have enough respite to enable them to do essential things for themselves such as attend hospital appointments.”

Leslie Weare, Director of REED Social Care said: “We are delighted to be able to award such amazing individuals with Care Awards to highlight how much hard work these people put in to caring for other people in the local community.

“We have been overwhelmed by nominations for the categories this year, with over 900 entries across three categories. For each nomination received we have donated an amount equivalent of half an hour of care to Sue Ryder Care, and have raised a total of £10,000. So, we would like to give a big thank you to all of those who have nominated someone they know. We would also like to congratulate all of those who have been nominated; your selfless actions are much appreciated by the caring community.”

Now in its third year, The Care Awards hosted by REED Social Care in partnership with Sue Ryder care provide an opportunity to pay tribute to those who often go unrecognised, bringing together people from all walks of life from unpaid carers & family members to social workers and foster parents. The awards highlight the diversity in caring and give a voice to the unsung heroes who devote their time and energy to caring for others.

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