Do you know a vital volunteer or unpaid carer who deserves to be recognised for their hard work?

Now is your chance to show your appreciation and nominate them for a Dorset Echo Care Awards.

Volunteers and unpaid carers make up so much of the industry, not just through care provision but by raising funds, lifting spirits and working behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly.

For the 'Best Volunteer/ Unpaid Carer' category, we are looking for people who selflessly give up their precious free time to help others, whether it is half an hour a week raising money or all day every day through care. 

If you know someone worthy of an award, there is still time to get your submissions in as nominations will close on October 26.

Dorset Echo editor Diarmuid Macdonagh said: “At a time when there is so much emphasis on care in the news it is important that we take every opportunity to highlight the vital, and often unheralded, work being done in this area.”

Shortlisted finalists and their guests will be invited to a glittering awards ceremony at Weymouth College on Thursday, November 9 where the winners will be announced.

The winners of each category will each receive tickets for Brittany Ferries, certificate, flowers, and will be featured in the category winners' coverage in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetecho.co.uk. 

Other care award categories are: 

  • Best Home Carer
  • Best Care Home
  • Best Nurse
  • Best Social Care Worker
  • Unsung Hero Award
  • Best Care Organisation
  • Best Under 18 Care Provider
  • Best Family Member Carer

How to enter:

Email debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with subject line 'Care Awards' or write to 

Dorset Echo Care Awards Nomination, 
Fleet House, 
Hampshire Road, 
Weymouth 
DT4 9XD with the following information: 

  • The category 
  • Person you are nominating 
  • Why you are nominating them in 100-250 words
  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Your telephone number   

Usual Newsquest competition terms and conditions will apply please visit dorsetecho.co.uk/competitionterms for full details.