A homecare provider with four branches across Cumbria and Lancashire held a special awards ceremony to recognise and thank members of its staff for all their hard work and dedication.
Westmorland Homecare organised a glittering celebratory event at the Lancaster House Hotel on the outskirts of Lancaster, which was attended by 125 members of its team.
“This was our second awards ceremony and it reminded us just how dedicated and compassionate our team truly is,” said Daniel Stainer, Westmorland Homecare’s Regional Director.
“Each award represents countless moments of kindness delivered behind the scenes and we couldn’t be prouder.
“Our carers go above and beyond every day, often without fanfare. Tonight gave us a chance to pause, acknowledge their heart and thank them for the incredible impact they make in the lives of the people we support.”
Westmorland Homecare provides care to enable vulnerable and often frail people over the age of 18 to live independently in their own home. Its services include homecare, such as help with housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care, which includes support with medication, dressing and bathing and helping clients live life to the full.
The company has four branches at South Lakeland; Lancaster and Morecambe; Poulton, Fylde and Wyre and Preston; and Penrith.
Mr Stainer said this year’s event was ‘bigger and better’ than the inaugural ceremony last year. The formal dress evening event began with welcoming drinks, with a caricaturist and photo booth to add to the entertainment, before the awards ceremony began.
There were nine different categories. Each branch manager put forward a shortlist of three members of staff for each category and then chose a branch winner.
The company directors and regional team then chose an overall winner for each category. Each overall winner received a certificate, an engraved trophy and a bouquet of flowers.
The top award on the night – the ‘Outstanding contribution to social care/Lifetime achievement award’ – went to Kelly Haygarth, the senior care coordinator at the South Lakeland branch based at Kendal.
Kelly started working in a care home at 16, doing laundry and kitchen duties. She loved seeing the residents and became a carer at 18.
She worked in residential care for more than 30 years, including re-enablement at home; supporting people with dementia at a day centre; and at St John’s Hospice through end-of-life care. She then supported children with life-limiting illnesses, their families and siblings, including bereavement support.
In 2018, she joined Westmorland Homecare and said: “I have had the privilege to help build up the training and development within the outstanding company.”
There was a special surprise for Kelly when she came on stage to receive her award from director Dr Chris Moss. The company had contacted her daughters and a statement was read from them about what their mum meant to them as well as about the impact she had on her clients.
Other overall award winners were: Newcomer of the year – Lisa Millican (Penrith branch); Unsung hero – Aleisha Scarr (Lancaster and Morecambe); Company ambassador – Debbie Osbourne (Lancaster and Morecambe); Client impact award – Yvonne Wallace (Poulton); Client feedback award – Lisa Drummond (South Lakeland); Community contribution – Natasha Simmons (Poulton); Coordinator of the year – Rachel Dunn (Penrith); Branch of the year – South Lakeland.
Mr Stainer added: “Events like this bring our whole team together and reinforce what makes our service special—our shared commitment to quality care and genuine connection.
“There’s something magical about combining our awards with our Christmas party—the joy, the laughter, the sense of family. It’s a moment where we get to step back and truly appreciate one another.
“We are immensely grateful for every member of our team. Their commitment, resilience and compassion define who we are as a service. Tonight was about celebrating them.
“As we mark our second year of awards, I’m excited for how far we’ve come - and even more excited for what lies ahead. With a team like ours, the future of our service is bright.”
The awards ceremony had an Elf theme with a decorated stage and backdrop, a smoke machine and a cannon which sent out shiny gold confetti as Kelly’s award was announced.
“There were also videos from clients thanking staff for the impact they had made and wishing them a Happy Christmas,” said Mr Stainer. “It was very emotional – there was not a dry eye in the house.”
After the ceremony there was a three-course meal with a violinist, a DJ and dancing.
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