The Bath and North East Somerset celebrated local carers at their awards night recently. Hosted by the BBC’s Ali Vowles, the evening recognised carers, businesses, volunteers and community partners who had supported carers or the Carers’ Centre over the last year. The event was sponsored by Bath solicitors, Stone King, with additional sponsorship from Minuteman Press, Moneywise and Gerrard Financial Consulting.
Among the winners was Tracey Seymour, from Midsomer Norton, who recently appeared on ITV’s Lorraine. Her husband, Paul, was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at the age of 54 and Tracey has become a proactive member of the community raising awareness of this disease.
Young carers were also recognised with awards for art pieces they submitted as well as ‘Young Carer of the Year’. The latter went to seventeen-year-old Joe Lomax, who always works to make new young carers feel welcome in the service.
The volunteering team who have kept the Bath Carers’ Centre ‘One Show’ garden in good stead were awarded with Volunteering Team of the year.
Bath and North East Somerset Council’s Active Lifestyles Service was awarded Partner of the Year for their work helping carers access the time and facilities for exercise and to improve their health. In 2014–15, the service saw 128 carers and as a group, they lost 150 kilos.
Chief Executive, Sonia Hutchison, said the event was a great way to recognise the work of carers in the community. “It means so much to the people who have been awarded and that makes it very special. Carers so often go unseen day to day it’s important to acknowledge them and all the things they give up for their caring role.”
Ali Vowles, who presented the awards, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to host the awards. To meet so many extraordinary people who care for their loved ones and make them feel special for the night is a real privilege.
Caring is such a hidden, often over-looked role. They really are unsung heroes.”