More than 560 nominations shine a light on the people and teams making a difference every day
Hampshire’s care workforce has been celebrated at the Hampshire Care Awards 2026, shining a light on the people, teams and organisations making a difference every day.
The awards ceremony, held at the Hilton Utilita Bowl in Southampton on Thursday 24 September, brought together more than 200 people from across the local care sector to recognise the dedication, compassion and innovation of those working in adult social care.
This year’s awards received more than 560 nominations across 10 categories, recognising the contribution of individuals and teams working across residential care, nursing, home care, supported living and specialist care.
After an independent, anonymous judging process, the judges selected three finalists in each category, with the winners announced at the ceremony.
2026 Hampshire Care Awards winners
CARE VOLUNTEER HERO AWARD – JOHN HILLER / ADMIRAL JELLICOE HOUSE (Royal Naval Benevolent Trust)
TECH FOR CARE AWARD – EVANS CHISANGA / BERYL CARE SOLUTIONS
RISING STAR IN CARE AWARD – ISABELLA LUCAS / THE LAURELS CARE HOME
CARER OF THE YEAR AWARD – LAURA JESSEY / CAMS RIDGE CARE HOME
SUPPORT SUPERHERO AWARD - LEE PINK / WILLOW LODGE CARE HOME
SPECIALIST CARER OF THE YEAR AWARD - EMILY DRIDGE / DOLPHIN HOMES
INSPIRATIONAL LEADER OF THE YEAR AWARD - KAREN MUNN / CARING HANDS DOMICILIARY SERVICES
RESIDENTIAL HOME OF THE YEAR AWARD - BICKERLEY GREEN / HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
HOMECARE PROVIDER OF THE YEAR AWARD - RIGHT AT HOME PORTSMOUTH
HAMPSHIRE CARE HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD - TRACEY ELVY / CARE TOGETHER LTD
“The Hampshire Care Awards are a chance to celebrate the people behind care; those who show up every day, build relationships and make a real difference to people’s lives across Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth.
“Our members are committed to delivering great care, learning from one another and working together to continually raise standards and make sure people receive the best possible care.
“Congratulations to all our winners, finalists and nominees. We’re incredibly proud to celebrate you and the difference you make every day.”
— Emma Heath, CEO Hampshire Care Association
The awards also recognised the organisations and teams behind the individuals nominated, highlighting the breadth of work taking place across Hampshire to support people to live well and receive high-quality care.
The Hampshire Care Association would also like to thank the 2026 Care Awards sponsors and supporters, whose support has helped make the awards possible.
GOLD SPONSOR - IVE CONSULTANCY
SILVER SPONSOR - CLH HEALTHCARE
SILVER SPONSOR - CARE CHOICES
SILVER SPONSOR - CHRISTIE & CO
SILVER SPONSOR - CLARKE WILLMOTT
SILVER SPONSOR -ASTON BROOKE SOLICITORS
SILVER SPONSOR - SOLICITUDE TRAINING
SILVER SPONSOR - COMAX UK
SILVER SPONSOR - CAMASCOPE
BRONZE SPONSOR - PAX HILL
BRONZE SPONSOR -LESTER ALDRIDGE
BRONZE SPONSOR -CARE UK
BRONZE SPONSOR - DIGITAL CARE HUB
BRONZE SPONSOR - PLATINUM CARE SOLUTIONS
DONATION SPONSOR - BERYL CARE SERVICES
DONATION SPONSOR - NIGHTINGALE COURT
The Hampshire Care Association is the membership organisation for CQC-registered adult social care providers across Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth. It represents more than 200 care providers and works to support members with quality, workforce and sector development, while ensuring the voice of adult social care is heard locally, regionally and nationally.
