The hard work and dedication of Suffolk’s carers was given centre stage last night at the second annual Suffolk Carer Awards.

Ipswich Star: Baylham Care Centre won three categories at the Suffolk Care Awards. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGEBaylham Care Centre won three categories at the Suffolk Care Awards. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

The winners of ten categories were announced at a ceremony attended by more than 200 people at Trinity Park in Ipswich.

The Suffolk Care Awards look to recognise the very best practice in adult social care and to highlight the crucial work providers and companies carry out every day.

Ipswich Star: Alexandra Keenan, of Consensus Support in Ipswich, won the special recognition award after being nominated for the prize by the mother of a client. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGEAlexandra Keenan, of Consensus Support in Ipswich, won the special recognition award after being nominated for the prize by the mother of a client. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

This year’s winners included an inspiring story of a group of carers from Leading Lives in Stowmarket who helped a man with learning difficulties move from residential care to his own bungalow, a catalyst for positive change in his life.

Baylham Care Centre in Ipswich scooped three categories for its innovative approach to dementia care, its dedication to culture, activities and creativity and for its student placements and apprenticeships.

Ipswich Star: Leading Lives' Compass Cafe in Lowestoft scooped the Food and Catering award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGELeading Lives' Compass Cafe in Lowestoft scooped the Food and Catering award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

For the first time, a category winner was nominated by one of its service users.

The special recognition award was won by Alexandra Keenan, a key worker in Ipswich for her care for a young man with complex needs whose parents describe her as their son’s ‘second mother’.

Ipswich Star: The End of Life award was won by the Seckford Foundation. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGEThe End of Life award was won by the Seckford Foundation. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

The awards were hosted by not-for-profit organisation The Suffolk Brokerage and the Suffolk Association of Independent Care Providers.

Liz Taylor, chairman of The Suffolk Brokerage, said: “It’s been a wonderful night and a great opportunity for us to shine a spotlight on fantastic care practice in Suffolk.

Ipswich Star: Helen McNeil, from Montrose House, won the Inspiring Leaders and Managers award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGEHelen McNeil, from Montrose House, won the Inspiring Leaders and Managers award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

“The category winners are worthy winners of their awards. “It was especially pleasing to see that Cardinal Healthcare’s Baylham Care Centre won the innovative approaches to dementia category for the second year running. Since the judges carried our their verification visits, it was plan to see how the home has continued to innovate.”

Other winners included the Leading Lives’ Compass Cafe in Lowestoft for food and catering, the Seckford Foundation for its end of life care, Helen McNeil, from Suffolk Mind, who won the inspiring leader and managers award and Home Instead Senior Care, which won the excellent training award.

Ipswich Star: Home Instead Senior Care, in Ipswich, won the Excellent Training award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGEHome Instead Senior Care, in Ipswich, won the Excellent Training award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

The care service of the year was won by Suffolk Mind’s Montrose House for its ‘continuous improvement ‘ and ‘family friendly’ feel.

Ipswich Star: Leading Lives in Stowmarket won the Promoting Dignity and Respect in Everyday Life award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGELeading Lives in Stowmarket won the Promoting Dignity and Respect in Everyday Life award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)

Ipswich Star: Suffolk Mind's Montrose House won the Care Service of the Year award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGESuffolk Mind's Montrose House won the Care Service of the Year award. Picture: SUFFOLK BROKERAGE (Image: Archant)