Service providers are being encouraged to nominate adult social care workers who they believe have gone above and beyond during the Covid-19 pandemic for special recognition.

The Wolverhampton Cares Awards is a one off ceremony, sponsored by the City of Wolverhampton Council and the Wolverhampton Cares campaign, to recognise the amazing work that was carried out throughout the pandemic by members of the Adult Social Care workforce within the city.

There are 4 awards categories, with cash prizes for 12 shortlisted finalists who work for residential care providers and 12 shortlisted finalists who work in domiciliary care. The categories are:

Wolverhampton Cares Award - Carer: This award recognises the skills and empathy required to deliver true person centred care.

Wolverhampton Cares Award - Registered Manager: This award will be presented to a Registered Manager who has demonstrated high levels of expertise and exception skills in managing complex businesses and teams.

Wolverhampton Cares Award - Deputy Manager/Senior/Team Leader: This award will recognise the importance of have having good deputies to support the Registered Manager.

Wolverhampton Cares Award - Other Support Staff (such as cooks, garden staff, administrators, activity coordinators): This award recognises the contribution that non front line staff make to the care business and the quality of care for service users.

Winners will receive £1,000 each, the runners up will get £500 each and those in third get £250 each. Nominations can be made until Friday 30 September via Wolverhampton Cares Awards. Winners will be announced at an event hosted by the West Midlands Care Association at Grand Station in November.

Councillor Linda Leach, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "We should all be incredibly proud of the work of adult social care staff in our city.

"They have always shown incredible dedication and compassion, none more so than during the Covid-19 pandemic which was a terrible time for our country, and particularly for our most vulnerable citizens.

"The Wolverhampton Cares Award is a chance to celebrate their efforts, and I would encourage care providers to nominate members of their workforce who they think deserve this recognition."

Jamie Bloomfield, Operations Officer for West Midlands Care Association, said: “We are delighted to host this exciting awards ceremony, on behalf of the City of Wolverhampton Council, for the adult social care sector in Wolverhampton. 

"This is an opportunity to reward those who have worked so tirelessly throughout the Covid period and continue to do so, and we are thrilled to be able to work with Wolverhampton Cares to provide this celebratory event. Please get your votes in, so we can have a fantastic evening saying thank you to all of you!”

Wolverhampton Cares was launched last year to help the city's vital health and social care sector through another difficult Covid-19 affected winter and beyond. To find out more visit Wolverhampton Cares.