Awards for Blackpool's top carers.

Blackpool’s health care heroes have been celebrated at a special awards ceremony.



Anne Scully was awarded the coveted ‘Carer of the Year 2017’ award at the New Mayfair Hotel, South Shore, while six other winners went away with coveted gongs for their good work in the care sector.

The annual awards ceremony, which ran for a fourth successive year, aims to celebrate the good work that is done by carers all over the town, and is arranged by Blackpool Council along with the Blackpool Care at Home Providers Forum.

Anne, who works for home care provider I Care, was nominated by seven different users of this service, who praised her patience and dedication to the job.

Anne, was described as epitomizing everything that a carer should be and that nothing was too much trouble for her.

Families cared for by Anne also praised her for her hard work, caring attitude and going beyond the call of duty to ensure people are looked after and happy.

In addition to Anne’s award, trophies were also handed out to: Ana Maria Rodriquiez from Homecare For You as the Most Improved Carer, Lisa Hanlon from Napier Home Care who won the Long Service Award, June Brindle from Homecare for You who was awarded Best Office Worker and Abbie Partington from Napier Home Care winning Best Newcomer. Janet Mackenzie and Joanne Shorrock from Napier Home Care also won the Best Double-Up Team Award.

The trophies were handed out by The Worshipful Mayor of Blackpool, Cllr Ian Coleman accompanied by the Mayoress, Mrs Mavis Coleman.

This year, nominations for Carer of the Year were received from over 200 service users across Blackpool while nominees for the other categories were nominated by the care providers themselves.

Carers across Blackpool provide thousands of hours of support across Blackpool every week, allowing people to continue to live in their own homes rather than needing to enter a care home or being admitted into hospital.

Carers help local residents to cope with a long term illness, or provide help so that they can recover from a stay in hospital.

Cllr Amy Cross, Blackpool Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Services and Health, said: “Being a carer is one of the most rewarding jobs around. Their work makes a huge difference to families as loved ones can remain in their own home rather than needing a residential home or a hospital stay.

“Quite often, the exceptionally good work that carers do every day can be overlooked. These awards are a chance for the community to show our carers just how much they are appreciated and to celebrate not just the winners, but the caring profession as a whole.”

Sandy Bell, Chair of Blackpool Care at Home Providers Forum, added: “Home care providers work extremely hard to ensure the quality of staff we employ is extremely high.

“It is wonderful that the Forum and Council work together in partnership to recognise the dedication that all our care staff give to the residents of Blackpool.”

The evening concluded with a raffle with prizes donated by the providers, which raised nearly £300 for the Blackpool Carers Centre.