Celebrating the hard work and dedication of care professionals in the South West region, the judging panel for the Annual Care and Support West Care Awards has announced a shortlist of finalists, including two from the Cote Charity in Westbury-on-Trym.

The Care Awards were established to acknowledge the positive impact made by the local sector on the lives of the most vulnerable people in society. Across Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, South Gloucestershire and North Somerset, there are more than 500 care providers employing over 19,000 people. Nominations for this year’s awards were particularly strong, given the unique challenges faced by the care sector over the past two years.

The two categories in which the Cote Charity has been shortlisted as a finalist are Activities Organiser of the Year, in which the charity’s Wellbeing Team has been named; and the Rainbow Heart Award, an award category launched only last year, in which Sue Thorne, Deputy Manager of Katherine House and Griffiths House has been named.

The Rainbow Heart Award is designed to shine a light on the heartfelt and challenging work undertaken during the pandemic and will be given to the person or team who has shown the most resilience and creativity in the ongoing ‘new world’ of care.

“Being shortlisted for two awards really showcases the good work being delivered by the Cote Charity to provide outstanding quality of care to older people in Bristol,” said Leanne Thorne, Care Home Manager for the Cote Charity. “Our experienced team of staff at Katherine House and Griffiths House place the happiness and wellbeing of residents at the heart of everything they do and I’m thrilled that their hard work is being acknowledged and celebrated on a regional platform.”

The trustee for the Cote Charity is the Society of Merchant Venturers (SMV). Dr Jacqueline Cornish OBE, Chair of SMV’s Care for Older People Committee, said: “The wonderful team at Katherine House and Griffiths House go above and beyond every day to ensure that residents thrive in a happy environment. I’m delighted that their hard work and dedication has been recognised by this prestigious organisation in the care sector. I will be keeping my fingers crossed for the finals but, in any case, this is a great achievement and one that the whole team should feel extremely proud of.”

Leanne concluded: “Our residents never need an excuse for a party, but when they found out that the Cote Charity had made it to the finals, they wasted no time in planning a surprise celebration for the staff and carers. We really are one big family here.”

Celebrating people, organisations and leadership, the Care Awards Gala Dinner and Ceremony will take place on Saturday 15th October at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol.