THE Dorset Echo is delighted to celebrate the Dorset Echo Care Awards which are designed to recognise all individuals and businesses involved in care. Care is not limited to the elderly or the young, life can present challenges to us all and it is those in the care community that help us to overcome these.

The awards will bring together nominations for care provided in the DT postcode sector.

Individuals or businesses are welcome to nominate themselves or anyone that has demonstrated exceptional care.

Dorset Echo Editor, Diarmuid Macdonagh said: “We are delighted to be launching our inaugural care awards. 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.

“Whether it is a great care home, a social worker going the extra mile, a youngster looking after a parent or someone running an activity for those in need, we would love to hear from you.

“Few sectors of our society are as deserving of recognition.”

Three finalists and their guest in each category will be invited to the Care Awards ceremony at Weymouth College on Thursday 14th March where the winners will be announced.

The winners of each category will receive a trophy and all finalists will receive a day ticket to Weymouth Sea Life. Winners will also be featured in the category winners' coverage in the Dorset Echo and online at dorsetecho.co.uk.

To recognise individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to social care, we have a ‘Best Social Care Worker’ award. Do you know somebody like this? If so, you can nominate them. The judges are looking for someone who respects the individual choice of their clients and promotes inclusion, rights and independence.

Or, you may know someone you could nominate for one of our other awards:

Best Volunteer / Unpaid Carer

Best Home Carer

Best Care Home

Best Nurse

Unsung Hero Award

Best Care Organisation

Best Under 18 Care Provider

Best Family Member Carer

Special Recognition Award

How to Make Your Nomination;

Online - Nominate online at dorsetecho.co.uk/careawards

Email – 100-250 words to debbie.hellaby@dorsetecho.co.uk with Care Awards in the subject line. The category, name, address, website, contact name and telephone number must be submitted with each nomination.

Closing date for nominations will be 17th February 2019.