The kind words behind the Club Wellgate Awards nominations
As you know, the Club Wellgate Recognition Awards nominations closed on 31 July. We received 130 nominations. Shortlisting is done, winners have been chosen, and behind the scenes we're now busy pulling together all the logistics for the ceremony on 9 September. More on that soon.
Here's a sample of the nominations that show the range of what "good care" looks like across Wellgate and the kind words you’ve said about each other.
Social care doesn't always get noticed. It happens in kitchens, hallways, and 1:1s, in the middle of a busy shift. That's why this matters to us, and why it’s the cornerstone of Club Wellgate. So, in no particular order, here's some of what you've been saying.
Care and Support Worker of the Year
This was our biggest category by far, 46 nominations, which tells you something about the strength of care happening on the ground every day.
Kelly Lawton, The Old Printers, nominated by Sophie Needham, wrote: "Kelly truly embodies everything it means to be an exceptional Support Worker. She is compassionate, kind-hearted and driven by strong values. I've seen her effortlessly switch from sharing light-hearted banter with a person we support, to calmly de-escalating a challenging situation, to providing reassuring support, all in a short space of time." Sophie added that Kelly has helped one person move into fully independent living, and helped another, who rarely left her flat, build the confidence to go bowling and visit a hairdresser for the first time in years.
Debbie Joy, Sandgate Manor, nominated by Emma Wilson, who told us: "Debbie makes everyone feel welcome from the moment they join Sandgate. Her interactions with residents are a joy to witness. Through laughter, singing and meaningful conversations, she brings warmth and happiness to those around her." Emma also noted that despite significant personal challenges of her own, Debbie has remained resilient, professional and dedicated, never letting them affect the quality of care she provides.
Dennis Medalla, The Grafton, nominated by Rebecca Lee, who said: "Dennis always goes above and beyond every day for the tenants; he takes the time for the tenants to fully enjoy the 1:1 throughout each week.… Dennis makes an impact every day with his positive attitude to his work and life. This makes a difference to the tenants as they are laughing and smiling non-stop when he is around."
Lisa Hogan, Wade Court, nominated anonymously by two separate colleagues, one of whom wrote: "Lisa is well liked at work. Made me feel like part of the team when I first started working at Wade Court... If I was unsure about something, Lisa made it easy to ask and always offers to help." Lisa takes several tenants to the gym every week, and one of them now goes on her own.
Karen Allcock, Wade Court, nominated by Ruth Rushton, her team leader, who wrote: "As team leader myself, Karen steps up as an assistant to me without even being asked, checking if there is anything that she can help with between her supports... She's my wing woman! I feel completely and fully supported when she is on shift." Ruth added something that stuck with us: "Karen says that she has never been recognised in all of her working life. I think now is her time, because she truly is a grafter!"
James Tabu, Tristford House, who nominated himself, wrote plainly and honestly: "I regularly volunteer to cover additional shifts at short notice to ensure residents continue to receive safe and compassionate care... I believe these qualities, along with my progression from Carer to Team Leader within a few months, make me deserving of this recognition award." It takes a bit of nerve to nominate yourself. We're glad James did.
Team Leader / Deputy of the Year
Chloe Ford, Sandgate Manor, nominated by Yubak Rai, who wrote: "She is always approachable and supportive, taking time to guide staff, especially new team members like me, helping us feel confident and settled in our roles. Her positive attitude, strong communication and dedication make a real difference to both staff and residents every day."
Beth Lorito, Tristford House, nominated by Sandra Kubiliene, who said: "She is passionate about what she does and consistently goes above and beyond to support and uplift those around her... She not only improves individual lives but also contributes to a stronger, more caring community."
Ruth Rushton, Wade Court, nominated anonymously, wrote: "Ruth has been welcoming, supportive, easy to talk to, explains things well, and she is very funny; she will make colleagues and tenants belly laugh, and who doesn't enjoy that." Ruth also organises fundraising for Douglas Macmillan in her spare time, on top of everything else.
Amber Lait, Millfield House, nominated anonymously, whose colleague wrote: "Every shift I have ever worked with Amber as a team leader has been smooth sailing. She is brilliant in a leader position and is incredibly supportive of other care workers. I always know she is there to help if help is needed."
Newcomer of the Year (Rising Star)
Sally Newland, Tristford House, nominated by Beth Lorito, who said: "From her first shift it seemed as though she had worked here for a long time... Sally is an incredibly hard worker, nothing is too much, and she does everything with a smile on her face." Sally started in January 2026 and, within five months, had built the kind of rapport with residents that usually takes years.
Sadie Burgess, Head Office, was nominated by Claire Hinde, who wrote: "Sadie has quickly become a highly valued member of the team. She has successfully taken ownership of the month-end process and now prepares the management accounts through to final review." Not every hero works on the front line. Some of them keep things running behind the scenes, and we don't say thank you to that side of Wellgate nearly often enough.
Angela Kinsey, Wade Court, nominated by Ruth Rushton, who told us: "Ange shows consistent care for our tenants. She sets high goals and aspirations for them and also for us as staff... Known as 'Nanny Ange', she is thoroughly loved by all staff members, looking out for everyone in the team and bringing energy and smiles to the office. A missing piece to our jigsaw that we would now be lost without."
Values Hero
Danielle Ward, Wade Court, nominated by Ruth Rushton, who wrote something we haven't been able to stop smiling about: "Dani's nickname is literally 'heart and soul', because she is the heart and soul of Wade Court and she gives absolutely everything, all of her heart and soul... She brightens the office with her infectious laugh, positive attitude and warm manner. Wade Court really wouldn't be what it is without her."
Charlie Burgin, Millfield House, nominated by Louise Gladwin, who said: "Charlie is not just a housekeeper. It is clear in everything Charlie does that it comes from passion and heart. Charlie always puts the needs of the service users first; she steps in if we are short-staffed due to same-day sickness without even being asked to; if a buzzer is going, she will always answer it... Charlie is an unsung hero that goes unnoticed." Not any more, Charlie.
Lucinda Langridge, The Lodges, nominated by Jodie Baker, who wrote: "She's selfless with her time and commitment. Helps on external trips on her days off; the guys are at the centre of her every task... Kind, compassionate, respectful, dignified, approachable, selfless, friendly, loyal, honest, driven, inclusive, and quite literally one in a million."
Head Office Hero
Emma Wilson, Head Office, nominated by Ash Akhtar, me actually. I contact Emma regularly about colleague training, the holiday home, and ensuring colleagues get the right information at the right time. She's one of my main contacts when I'm pulling together the Club Wellgate Monthly Update. I also mither her constantly for photos, and I mean constantly. She never complains, never makes me feel like I'm being a pain; she just sorts it. She's brilliant, and I wanted that on the record.
Andrea Morrison, Head Office, nominated by Claire Hinde, who wrote: "Andrea's commitment was particularly evident during a challenging period last year when the team was short-staffed and managing sickness absences. She stepped up without hesitation, taking on additional work and staying late to ensure critical deadlines were met. Her support was instrumental in helping us process and deliver the Christmas payroll on time."
Club Rep of the Year
This category means a lot to me, as these colleagues step out of their comfort zones. They carve out time from their busy shifts to engage teams about the amazing benefits we have at Wellgate and to support with any queries, which can be related to all sorts of things.
Jodie Baker, The Lodges, nominated by Terence Loftus, who wrote: "Jodie has been an enthusiastic club rep from day one, embracing the role and presenting our services with passion and genuine love. Staff who have received shout-outs have commented on what this has meant to them and how personal the comments have felt."
Ruth Rushton, Wade Court, also nominated for Club Rep of the Year by Ceri Owen: "Ruth is very enthusiastic with this role and ensures that staff are updated with the latest news. She likes to include staff praise when contributing to the newsletter, including a full write-up describing the excellent support from certain staff members which led to tenants going on a lively holiday to Italy." Ceri added that it's boosted staff confidence and morale: "happy staff, happy tenants."
Andrew Snell, Brickyard Court, was nominated by Maria Placido Dos Santos and by a colleague who nominated anonymously. Maria wrote: "Andrew has worked very hard at his Club Rep duties," which "has helped Brickyard Court keep up to date." His anonymous colleague, newer to the team, added: "Andrew is always there to help in any way possible and is full of knowledge on all things Wellgate."
Learner of the Year
Emily Cheney, Wade Court, nominated by Ruth Rushton, who told us: "Emily always ensures that her learning and training is completed as soon as possible. She has a great understanding in a range of areas, although she doubts herself. She asks questions to ensure that she is fully informed, and often notices things that others don't."
Why this matters
It was amazing to read through 130 nominations, which weren’t about big, dramatic moments but about small, everyday human moments, like someone turning up every time and making a genuinely difficult job look easy for the person next to them or for the person they support.
That's what social care is, most of the time. It's not glamorous, it doesn't often make headlines, and it's very easy for it to go unnoticed, even by the people doing it.
So if nothing else, I hope reading this has made you feel a bit prouder of the organisation you work for, and maybe of yourself too, whether your name is above or not. We'll be back with more details on the ceremony soon.
Thank you again for making Wellgate a great place to work and grow a career in care and support.