CUK Awards nominations now open

their preconceptions.

“Misconceptions around care homes abound – from the quality of the food to how residents are supported to live with dignity.

“As our own data shows, the reality is that for the vast majority of residents, care homes are a positive, muchvalued chapter in people’s journey through later life.

“Long-standing myths are damaging not only for the sector, but for the thousands of families looking for specialist, 24-hour care for their loved ones.

“They want to feel confident and empowered in the choices they make.

“We believe that feeling empowered starts with having a myth-free, more accurate idea of what it is like to join a care home community.” n Resident Shirley Mollet is pictured with pupils.

The campaign, which launched in time for the recent Care Home Open Week, comes after reflecting on the perceived divide between public understanding and the reality of care home life.

Greensleeves Care’s recent customer satisfaction survey across its 28 homes in England shows that 93 per cent of residents who responded are happy with their care and the vast majority feel empowered to make choices about their day-today life.

Embracing an intergenerational experience with their primary school friends, residents at Belong Warrington care village have transformed their home into a Willy Wonka factory by becoming chocolatiers in the name of indulging their mutual affection for confection. The golden ticket guests, aged between five and 11 from Stockton Heath Primary School, were invited for an afternoon at the Latchford dementia specialist care facility and donated ingredients for use, working alongside residents to whip up sweet treats. Arranged as part of Belong’s intergenerational strategy for its care villages, the initiative was led by the school’s ‘Art Ambassadors’ – pupils of all age groups tasked with promoting creativity and voicing the arts preferences of their classmates, both at school and when networking with the community.

OPERATORS wanting to put themselves forward for recognition have been urged to enter the Caring UK Awards.

Nominations for this year’s event are now open at www. caringukawards.co.uk

The awards, organised by Script Events in partnership with Caring UK, recognise excellence and achievement in all corners of the care industry.

And with more than 20 categories up for grabs, there’s something to suit every type of care business.

These include everything from Quality in Housekeeping and Catering Team of the Year to Best Outdoor Environment and End of Life Team of the Year.

Event organiser Dominic Musgrave said: “Nominations are coming in and our events team is already busy ensuring that this year’s event is bigger and better than ever.

“Our main aim is to recognise and honour the best in our wonderful sector and showcase the innovation and dedication that goes on every day so please share your successes and tell us about your hard work and initiatives by sending in your nominations … it’s a real privilege to read them.”

A shortlist in each category will then be drawn up, with winners chosen by an expert panel.

Trophies will be handed out at a glittering ceremony at the Athena in Leicester on Thursday, December 7 presented by TV personality Emma Jesson.