The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector, recognising individuals and teams who go above and beyond to provide exceptional support and person-centred care.
Hope House – Care Home Team Award Finalist
Hope House, located on Hutton Avenue in Hartlepool, provides specialist residential support for adults with learning disabilities. The service has been named a finalist in the Care Home Team category, which honours teams that demonstrate strong leadership, shared vision and outstanding teamwork.
The Hope House team, part of the Cygnet Social Care division, supports residents across two neighbouring properties – Hope House and Hope Lodge – which offer a mix of self-contained flats, studio apartments, and en-suite bedrooms designed to promote independence and personal growth.
Manager Jamie Speight said: “I am extremely proud of the team and their achievements. Being named a finalist in the Great British Care Awards is a testament to the dedication, teamwork and commitment of the Hope House staff in making a positive difference every day.
“The team’s work is guided by a commitment to helping every individual reach their goals, from developing daily living skills to engaging in community activities.
“They have consistently supported the individuals we work with to achieve their ambitions and have worked collaboratively to grow and develop as a team. The Hope House team takes pride in creating a nurturing, inclusive environment where residents are encouraged to be active participants in their own care.
“Our approach combines compassion with professionalism, ensuring that every individual’s dignity, privacy, and personal preferences are respected. This shortlisting is a great recognition of how we go above and beyond for those in our care.”
The award celebrates teams that prioritise dignity and privacy for residents, foster open communication and trust, and consistently deliver person-centred care that empowers individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives.
Oaklands – Three Award Finalists
Cygnet Oaklands, a specialist residential service with nursing that supports individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs in Hexham, Northumberland, is celebrating three shortlistings.
Ashleigh Yilmaz – Care Home Registered Manager Category
Service Manager Ashleigh Yilmaz has been shortlisted in the Care Home Registered Manager category, which recognises managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership, expertise and vision in delivering high-quality, person-centred care.
Ashleigh, who joined Oaklands in 2022, brings a wealth of experience from her background in trauma and intensive care nursing, as well as work across older adult care, acute mental health and learning disabilities services.
Ashleigh said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted and really proud to see Neil and Mercy recognised for their incredible work. These nominations reflect the dedication and passion that runs through the whole Oaklands team.
“Neil and Mercy both embody what great care is all about – putting people first, treating everyone with dignity, and making a real difference in the lives of those we support. To have our team’s efforts recognised at this level is a huge honour and something we’re all very proud of.
“On a personal level, I’m really shocked and humbled to have been nominated, it makes a lot of the hard work worth it.”
Neil Young – Putting People First Category
Maintenance Manager Neil Young has been shortlisted in the Putting People First category, recognising his commitment to empowering individuals to take greater control over their care and his creativity in ensuring that the environment supports residents’ independence and wellbeing.
Neil said: “I was taken back by being nominated for the putting people first award. It is great to be recognised. Thank you.”
Mercy Igbaroola – Ancillary Worker and Dignity in Care Category
Support Worker Mercy Igbaroola has been named a finalist in the Ancillary Worker and Dignity in Care category, which celebrates those who excel in promoting dignity, respect, and independence, inspiring others to uphold the highest standards of compassionate care.
Mercy said: “Being nominated for the Great British Care Award in Dignity in Care is a true honour and a personal milestone. Dignity has always been central to my approach to care, recognising each person’s humanity, respecting their choices, and ensuring they feel valued, heard, and safe.
“This nomination reflects the compassion, patience, and respect I strive to bring to every interaction. To me, care is about restoring confidence, preserving independence, and showing kindness when it’s most needed.
“Being recognised among such inspiring individuals who share this commitment is deeply humbling. It reminds me that small acts of dignity, a smile, a word of reassurance, a moment spent truly listening help build a culture of respect and compassion.”