A Tribute to Compassion: Celebrating Heroes in Care at the Dignity in Care Awards
In an inspiring event, over 200 dedicated carers from Staffordshire were recognized for their invaluable contributions at the twelfth annual Dignity in Care Awards, held by Staffordshire County Council. This ceremony not only honored remarkable individuals but also sought to shine a light on the critical roles within the adult social care sector.
Honoring Dedication and Excellence
The awards celebrated winners in nine different categories, showcasing the incredible commitment of both paid and unpaid carers. Among the distinguished honorees, Tinga Umera from Nexus Care Services received the Registered Manager Dignity Champion Award for his exceptional leadership and dedication to elevating standards in home care.
On receiving his award, Tinga expressed his gratitude, emphasizing the significance of teamwork: “I am in a room full of superheroes; the stories I’ve heard tonight have been so inspirational. You are only as good as your team, and I wouldn’t be here without the amazing people in my team at Nexus Care; they are absolutely outstanding. I am humbled, thank you.”
Long Service Recognized
Another remarkable winner, Hema Mungaroo, who has dedicated over 20 years to supporting older individuals, was acknowledged in the Long Service Dignity Champion category. As the operator of Havenly Adult Day Centre in Heath Hayes, Hema noted the importance of her work, particularly in enabling those on a dementia journey to enjoy their lives with dignity through the support provided.
“It’s a really nice feeling to be recognised for what we do, especially in day care,” Hema shared. “I feel blessed to be able to do this job.”
Inspiring the Next Generation
Martin Rogerson, Cabinet Member for Health and Care at Staffordshire County Council, conveyed his inspiration from the award recipients. “I am truly inspired by the people I’ve met at the awards. Their kindness, patience, and innovation to help care and empower some of the most vulnerable people in our society is amazing,” he said. Rogerson emphasized that the event celebrates not only excellence but also highlights the diverse opportunities available in social care.
The awards serve as a potent reminder of the vital work carers do while encouraging more individuals to explore rewarding careers in this essential field. For those interested in learning more about opportunities within adult social care, the Staffordshire Social Care Academy is an informative resource.
The event, hosted by BBC Midlands Today presenter Rebecca Harper, was a celebration of dedication, caring, and community spirit, reminding everyone of the importance of dignity in care.
