Eight care workers recognised in Redcar and Cleveland’s Champion Awards

Eight paid care workers from across Redcar and Cleveland have been recognised in the 2026 Champion Awards, with four category winners joined by four runners-up.

The awards are run by The Caring Kind, a council-supported initiative created to give local care professionals a public platform and help people understand the work involved in paid care. Its winners’ page focuses on practical, person-centred support rather than job titles alone, describing how staff have helped people communicate, stay connected and build greater independence.

Four category winners

Carly Smith of Clover Group received the Unsung Hero Award. The Caring Kind says she created a welcoming respite service which supports families while helping individuals grow in confidence and independence. Sophie Craddy of BJP was runner-up, recognised for building trusting relationships with the people she supports and giving families reassurance.

The Rising Star Award went to Grace McPherson, also of Clover Group. At 19, she was praised for understanding and connecting with people, supporting communication and looking beyond a diagnosis to the individual. Caremark’s Keith Hewett was runner-up after helping clients try new experiences, remain part of their communities and supporting new colleagues as a mentor.

Warmth, patience and long service

Alannah Adams, who works for Housing 21 at Aldaniti Court in Guisborough, won Young Carer of the Year. Her citation highlights the patience and warmth she brings to relationships with residents, including reassurance for a resident living with dementia and support with activities. Erin Smith of BJP, who joined the organisation in 2023, was runner-up for her dedication, resilience and continued development.

Shirley Swales of BJP received the Lifetime Achievement Award after more than 23 years in care. The award organisers say she has supported hundreds of residents, families and colleagues, while also mentoring others. Donna Brittain of Olam Care Services was runner-up, recognised for care centred on the individual and for supporting clients, families, colleagues and her wider community.

Why the recognition matters

The four categories cover different stages and styles of care work: an emerging worker, a younger employee, a long-serving colleague and someone whose quieter contribution might otherwise go unseen. Together, the citations show that care can involve patient daily support, communication, confidence-building, community connection and reassurance for families.

That detail matters because the awards are specifically for paid care workers in Redcar and Cleveland. The Caring Kind was launched with support from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council to raise the profile of the borough’s care workforce, encourage conversations about the sector and help people considering care as a career.

What has not been published

The council and The Caring Kind have published the names, employers and short citations for the eight people recognised. They have not published the number of nominations received, detailed judging scores or a date for the next awards round. The winners’ page thanks everyone who nominated a care worker and says those stories help recognise people making a difference across the borough.

Anyone checking the results should use The Caring Kind’s official 2026 winners page. The image accompanying this report is a licensed contextual photograph of a care home in Marske-by-the-Sea and is not presented as an employer, workplace or venue connected to any award recipient.