We held our 2024 awards ceremony at Turner Hall in December, and this year we invited our clients along too. Following on from last year's awards, we wanted to make it bigger and better than ever.
It was a proper afternoon. Good food from Patchills Pantry, the hall decorated with balloons from Mansfield Balloon Company, and the Forest Singers performing Christmas carols throughout. Forecast Designs was there to capture it all on camera.
The ceremony is our way of recognising the people who make YHC what it is. Not just the obvious things, but the small stuff that often goes unnoticed. The carer who always remembers how someone takes their tea. The one who stayed late without being asked. The colleague who keeps everyone laughing on a tough day. It is moments like these that show why our team is so special.
A Make It Happen moment
One of the highlights of the afternoon was a moment we had been quietly planning. One of our clients had told us she would love to sing with a choir. Through our Make It Happen programme, we arranged for her to join the Forest Singers on stage for her favourite carol, “Away in a Manger.”
She sang it beautifully. There were a few tears in the room.
The awards
Over the days following the ceremony, we announced each winner on our social media. The full list of 2024 award winners:
- Comedian of the Year – Leanne, nominated by her colleagues for always finding a way to make people smile
- The One Always Smiling – Karolina, for keeping spirits high through the ups and downs
- Most Accident Prone – Diane, affectionately nominated by colleagues (and one client) for her legendary clumsiness
- Newcomer of the Year (Mansfield) – Karolina, for making such a strong impression in her first year
- Newcomer of the Year (Ashfield) – Jamie-Lee and Michelle, joint winners for the positive impact they both made from day one
- Outstanding Team Player – Sam, nominated by colleagues across the community and office teams
- Office Champion – Lesley, for always being available, always friendly, and a key part of the team
- Harriett's Choice Award – Denise, chosen by our Registered Manager for her attentiveness and going the extra mile
- Carer of the Year (Mansfield) – Emma, described by clients as “an absolute angel” and “kind, caring and thoughtful”
- Carer of the Year (Ashfield) – Andrea, our longest-serving carer, described by clients as “a star and a brilliant carer”
Photos from the day
Every one of these people was nominated by the people they work with or care for. That matters more than any trophy. Events like this are part of what makes YHC a great place to work.
A huge thank you to Turner Hall, the Forest Singers, Patchills Pantry, Forecast Designs, and Mansfield Balloon Company for helping us put the day together. And thank you to every client and family member who came along to celebrate with us.
Read about our 2025 awards ceremony.