Double success at the National Care Awards!

Community Integrated Care is celebrating a double win at the 23rd National Care Awards, receiving prestigious recognitions in senior leadership and outstanding support during one of the most challenging periods in history for social care.

The awards ceremony, which took place at the London Hilton Metropole on Friday (19^th November), is organised by leading social care publication, Caring Times Magazine, and highlights excellence in the care sector.

The evening saw Community Integrated Care’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Adams, being awarded the ‘Care Leadership’ accolade for his role in steering our charity’s 5,000-strong workforce during the Covid-19 crisis and acting as a ‘standout voice’ for the sector.

Judges noted Mark’s visibility in championing social care at a national level during the pandemic, saying his decisive leadership enabled the charity’s workforce to ‘shine’.

His action in preparing, responding to and mitigating against the devastating impact of coronavirus across the sector was acknowledged as being pivotal to the local and national  sector response and ultimately saving many lives.

Tracy Hamilton, one of our Advanced Support Workers from Coronation Road in Newcastle, was also crowned Care Champion, recognising her extraordinary compassion and bravery throughout the pandemic.

Earlier this year, after being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 and placed on oxygen, Tracy realised she was on the same ward as one of the people she supports. Understanding the comfort a familiar face could bring, Tracy asked to be located next to them and continued to be a supporting, caring presence as they both battled the virus.

Tracy has since made a full recovery but sadly, the person Tracy supported passed away. Tracy’s presence, often sitting with them for 12 hours a day, was said to provide much comfort during their last moments.

Judges said Tracy stood out for her ‘unrelenting selflessness, love and dedication to the care community’.

Mark Adams said, “This has been a fantastic evening for our charity and we’re so proud to be taking home two awards. The past eighteen months has been a truly difficult period for all, and to be recognised among so many other outstanding members of the social care community really is an honour.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Tracy, who embodies all the qualities we’re so proud to champion at Community Integrated Care. The circumstances of this story are incredibly sad, but her dedication to helping others is truly inspirational. She is a star and this recognition is very well deserved.”