Celebrating Excellence: Unique Homecare Named Regional Finalists at the Great British Care Awards
At Unique Homecare Services Ltd, every day is driven by compassion, innovation, and the desire to make a genuine difference in our clients’ lives. We’re thrilled to share that our team has been recognised as Regional Finalists in several categories at the Great British Care Awards. This honour reflects not just our achievements, but the heart, dedication, and values of everyone at Unique Homecare.What Are the Great British Care Awards?
The Great British Care Awards (GBCA) are among the most prestigious recognitions in the UK’s social care sector. They celebrate outstanding individuals and organisations that excel in providing compassionate care, innovation, leadership, and improved quality of life for those they support.
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The awards are structured regionally, culminating in a national final event in Birmingham.
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They cover a broad spectrum of categories – from front-line caregivers to managers, innovators, employers, and specific areas like dementia care, dignity, and outstanding contribution.
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Winners and finalists are judged based on strong criteria: quality of care, innovation, compassion, leadership, and evidence of real positive outcomes for clients. Nominees often provide supporting evidence of impact. care-awards.co.uk
Recently, in 2024, the North West region – where Unique Homecare operates – saw extremely stiff competition, with many organisations demonstrating high standards in employer support, innovation, workforce wellbeing, person-centered care, and more.
Unique Homecare’s Distinctive Qualities & Local Recognition
To understand what makes this nomination especially meaningful, here are some verified facts about Unique Homecare and what our clients and staff are saying:
Quality, Oversight & Specialisms
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Unique Homecare holds a “Good” rating across all categories (Safe; Effective; Caring; Responsive; Well-led) from the Care Quality Commission. Care Quality Commission
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We cater for a wide range of care needs: dementia; mental health conditions; older people; physical disabilities; sensory impairments. Care Choices
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We provide care across many local areas including Garstang, Lancaster, Morecambe, Carnforth, Over Wyre, Pilling, Galgate and surrounding districts.
Voices from Clients & Families
Real feedback from those we support paints a vivid picture of what Unique Homecare delivers:
“They support me so I can live a full life… The people are helpful and friendly, nothing is too much. And the management is great.”
“Unique Homecare have improved my quality of life. They brighten up my day… All my carers are wonderful and cheerful. … I love Unique and everyone that works there. Can’t thank them enough…”
“I feel safe and I trust the people who look after me. I am treated with great dignity and respect… My visit times are consistent…”
From families: “Unique offered a flexible approach to Dad’s care … Two members of staff were particularly brilliant … They really did make the difference.”
Thoughts from Staff
Our team’s own reflections highlight a supportive culture, good professional development, and a genuine sense of purpose:
“Unique homecare are honestly AMAZING! … the management are kind and caring … the work we cover is life changing.”
“After six years in the military… what I wanted to do most in life was to help people… I really do love having a positive impact on people’s lives! … I feel supported by management and have been given lots of opportunities…”
These voices reinforce that Unique Homecare isn’t just delivering care — we are also fostering a culture of dignity, respect, and empowerment (for clients and staff).
Our Finalists & What It Means for Unique Homecare
We’re proud to have been nominated in several categories at the GBCA:
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Lydia Turner – Home Care Coordinator
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Emilia Leak – Home Care Registered Manager
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Joanne Harney – Dignity in Care
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Unique Homecare – The Care Innovator
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Andrew Parnell – The Dementia Carer
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Michelle Thompson – Outstanding Contribution to Social Care
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Unique Homecare – Home Care Employer
These nominations highlight multiple dimensions of our service:
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Leadership & management – through nominations like Registered Manager and Home Care Coordinator
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Dementia & person-centred dementia care – through the Dementia Carer category and related work
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Innovative care practices – the Innovator nomination reflects our ongoing effort to find better ways to deliver care (training, approaches, responsiveness, etc.)
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Dignity, compassion & ethics – Dignity in Care, Outstanding Contribution, Employer nominations emphasise how care is carried out, not just what care is carried out
Why This Recognition Matters
In light of GBCA’s standards, the competition, and our performance:
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Credibility: The Good CQC rating plus client satisfaction gives confidence to families looking for long-term care providers.
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Morale & motivation: Many of our team members describe Unique as a place where they feel valued — that contributes to better care, lower turnover, and continuous improvement.
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Differentiation in the local area: With many home care providers in Lancaster, Garstang, Morecambe etc., being a Regional Finalist gives Unique Homecare added distinction.
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Continuous improvement: The process of applying for GBCA nominations forces reflection — what works, what can be better — which helps us grow.
Recent GBCA North West Context: Inspiration & Comparison
To give more context of what we’re up against, here are some examples from the North West awards in 2024:
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The Home Care Employer Award was won by Moral Care, praised for “values in every aspect of service, exceptional service by their devoted team, reshaping social care leadership.” care-awards.co.uk
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Highly commended organisations in many categories stood out for staff well-being, innovative employment practices (e.g. trialling new tech or flexible working), and strong leadership communication. care-awards.co.uk
These benchmarks show that to win in our categories, we need not only excellent care but also innovation, staff support, and consistency — things Unique Homecare is already doing quite strongly.
Looking Forward: The Road Ahead for Unique Homecare
Being named Regional Finalists is both an honour and a catalyst. Here’s how we plan to build on this momentum:
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Strengthen Dementia Care Innovations
Continue enhancing dementia programmes, training, and personalised care. Build on ideas, feedback, and best practice to ensure individuals with dementia receive care that honours who they are. -
Enhance Staff Well-being & Development
Further investment in training, mental health support, recognition programmes for staff. Ensure carers have what they need to bring their best selves to every visit. -
Maintain & Improve Client Experience
Keep listening to feedback — clients’ stories are our strongest signal. Ensure consistency of visit times, continuity of carers, and sensitive, compassionate care. -
Showcase Our Successes & Share Learning
Use going forward platforms (social media, local partnerships, healthcare networks) to share what we’re doing well. Inspire others, and collaborate where possible. -
Aim for the National Final
With the regional finalist status secured, our goal is to strengthen our applications, gather compelling evidence, and strive for national recognition in coming years.
Final Words of Gratitude
To our clients, thank you for your trust — for letting us support your lives, your dignity, your joys, and your challenges. Your stories fuel our commitment every day.
To our exceptional team — your compassion, innovation, and care embody what Unique Homecare stands for. These nominations are yours, too.
And to families, local partners, and our wider community — your feedback, collaboration, and support help us grow stronger and do better.
Here’s to excellence, to caring deeply, and to making each moment matter.