The finalists represent five Cygnet services and have been recognised across five categories celebrating outstanding leadership, teamwork, workforce development and person-centred support.
Cygnet’s finalists are:
- Laura Storey, Kirkside House and Lodge – The Care Home Registered Manager Award
- Laura Davy, Langdale House – The Care Home Registered Manager Award
- Langdale House – The Care Home Team Award
- Kirkside House and Lodge – The Care Home Team Award
- Raymond Morrisroe, Cygnet Longfield House – The Care Home Worker Award
- Annabel Esebame, Langdale House – The Care Home Worker Award
- Karen Jones, Cygnet Hawkstone – The Putting People First Award
- Kayode Olawoyin, Supported Living in Leeds – The Workforce Development Award
The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence throughout the social care sector, recognising the individuals and teams whose compassion, commitment and innovation make a difference to people’s lives.
Laura Storey, Registered Manager of Kirkside House and Lodge, said: “I am incredibly proud to have been shortlisted, particularly alongside our fantastic team at Kirkside House and Lodge. This recognition belongs to everyone at the service, because delivering high-quality, person-centred support is only possible through a shared commitment, strong teamwork and a genuine belief in the potential of every individual we support.
“Our colleagues bring compassion, energy and dedication to their roles every day, so it is wonderful to see their contribution celebrated on a regional stage.”
Laura Davy, Registered Manager of Langdale House, said: “It is a real honour to be named as a finalist, and I am especially delighted that the whole Langdale House team has also been shortlisted. Our colleagues work incredibly hard to create a warm, supportive environment where the people who live at Langdale House are respected, listened to and empowered to achieve their goals.
“To receive this recognition in two categories is a wonderful reflection of the team’s passion and determination. I could not be prouder of them.”
The Care Home Registered Manager Award recognises managers who demonstrate exceptional leadership and a clear vision for delivering high-quality, person-centred care. Judges also look for a commitment to continuous improvement, staff development and meaningful involvement of residents and families.
Both Langdale House and Kirkside House and Lodge are also finalists for the Care Home Team Award, which celebrates teams with a shared vision, strong leadership and a culture of collaboration and mutual trust.
Ray Morrisroe and Annabel Esebame have been shortlisted for the Care Home Worker Award. The category recognises colleagues who provide exceptional, personalised support, promote independence and consistently treat those in their care with dignity, respect and individuality.
Ray said: “I feel very proud that my work has been recognised and acknowledged. I feel very overwhelmed and surprised that I have been nominated for just doing my job.
“I’ve been in a supporting role for 15 years and still have the enthusiasm for it and enjoy it.”
Karen Jones is a finalist for the Putting People First Award, which celebrates those who empower people to take greater control over their support. It recognises creative and person-centred approaches which respond to each individual’s needs, choices and aspirations.
Kayode Olawoyin has been shortlisted for the Workforce Development Award, recognising his contribution to identifying colleagues’ learning needs, strengthening skills and promoting a culture of continuous professional development.
Kayode said: “Being a finalist is a proud achievement. It means my hard work, dedication and commitment have been recognised and appreciated, and being shortlisted among the best is something truly worth celebrating. I am really grateful.”
The Great British Care Awards encompass all areas of social care and bring together the independent, voluntary and statutory sectors to celebrate those who go above and beyond to deliver outstanding support.
The Yorkshire and Humber regional awards ceremony will take place at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Friday 6 November 2026. Regional winners will progress to the Great British Care Awards National Final.