Carers UK is encouraging community groups, organisations and employers to enter its exciting new awards programme to recognise and celebrate unpaid carers in what promises to be a glittering highlight of the charity’s 60th anniversary year.   

Nominations for The Carers UK Awards are open from Tuesday 29 April until Friday 27 June and will culminate in a very special award ceremony. It will be a chance to honour the chosen winners doing incredible work that’s making a real difference for unpaid carers and those they care for from all over the UK. 

The inaugural awards announcement came as unpaid carers gathered at the charity’s annual membership conference to reflect on the past year and discuss the current challenges for carers.  

The 10 nomination categories cover both community action and the workplace. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on individuals, local groups, networks and employers who are leading the way through carer-friendly actions, practices and environments. They include: 

• The Outstanding Carer Service award  

An organisation or provider that delivers a comprehensive service on a local or national level. The service reaches and supports carers in a wide range of channels and shows innovation in its service delivery. It embeds the lived experience of carers into their service and is a leader in the sector.  

• Community Volunteer 

A current or former carer or carer ally, who through their volunteering activities in the last year has used innovative approaches to raise awareness of caring and connect carers with vital support.  

• The Workplace Champion award  

An employee who, at any level in their organisation, can show that they have gone above and beyond to raise awareness and tackle stigma of carers and caring issues in their workplace.  

• Transformational Employer  

An ambassador for carers in their workplace which embeds the lived experience of carers in everything that they do. Externally, the employer shares best practice and policy to influence wider societal change. They have a clear carers strategy which includes tailored policies and practices benefitting carers.  

• The Johnnie Walker Lifetime Achievement Award  

The Award will be presented to somebody who has made a significant difference to the lives of unpaid carers over many years. Through championing the cause and raising awareness their endeavours have ensured carers remain in the public eye, resulting in a tangible impact to millions of carers lives, today and tomorrow.  

The full nomination categories are:  

The judging panel will be made up of business leaders and from Carers UK, patron Tiggy Walker who cared for her late husband Johnnie and Helen Walker.  

The Carers UK Awards will be presented in a celebratory gala ceremony to honour the winners on 16th October at Plaisterers’ Hall, London.  

Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK said:  

“We are thrilled to launch the first annual Carers UK Awards to highlight the incredible work that is being done to make life better for carers.  

“In our 60th year, it is fitting that whilst we look at what we have achieved and how much still needs to change to bring about equality for unpaid carers, we also celebrate the fantastic commitment that is making this happen. We encourage nominations from every sector and every part of the UK. 

“Every day I am inspired and humbled by the innovation and commitment that I see from individuals, community groups, organisations, employers and employees showing that positive change is possible.”  

Full award nomination details can be found here Carers UK Awards