CARE professionals, providers, supporters, and sponsors came together this month to recognise excellence in care at the annual BCA Care Awards for 2025.
The Berkshire Care Association’s annual awards celebrate the work taking place across the adult social care sector in Berkshire, including residential, nursing, domiciliary, and learning disability care settings.
Attendees were welcomed by David Emanuel and the new mayor of Windsor, Cllr Mandy Brar, who were giving out the awards.
They were also joined by representatives from the events’ sponsors; Robin Hall, from SESCA; Mal Whitham, from Spark Care; and Richard from Howden Insurance.
Each of the 215 nominees received a special commemorative badge as a mark of their recognition, with finalists and winners celebrated on stage in front of colleagues, friends, and loved ones, as well as receiving a trophy.
Reading’s Courtney Oliviera, from Apex Healthcare Services Ltd was given the Behind the Scenes Award, while the Blue Angel Care Reading Team took the Spark Care Team Award.
Sylvian Care Reading and Wokingham’s Leanne Vaughn and Rashid Iqbal took the Home Care Co-ordinator Award and the Homecare Worker Award, respectively, while Onkar Uppal from Wild Acres Care Home took the Newcomer to Care Award.
Sixteen services were also recognised with the Care Service Recognition Award, including Sylvian Care Reading and Wokingham, Sylvian Care Reading and Wokingham, Sylvian Care Reading and Wokingham, Ivy Care Reading and Newbury,
For the first time, this year’s event presented the Chair’s Award for Outstanding Contribution, with the inaugural award going to Halimah Halkier from All Care Thames Valley in Wokingham–who is still working at the age of 80.
The BCA said it was “an honour” to present the award: “in recognition of this person’s extraordinary dedication to health and social care. With a career spanning over 50 years, this person’s passion for caring remains as strong as ever.
“From their early role as a ward matron to their current work as a homecare worker, they have consistently delivered compassionate, high-quality care.
“At 80, they continue to work with boundless energy and enthusiasm, earning the admiration of clients and colleagues alike–they are not only a valued team member but also a mentor and friend, generously sharing their wisdom and support.”
They continued: “Their warmth, patience, and open-mindedness make them especially beloved by clients, who often request them by name.
“Their kindness, infectious spirit, and unwavering commitment make them a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose.
“Though small in stature, they have a larger-than-life personality and a heart to match.”
eter Lomax, BCA Chair said “The BCA Care Awards are about shining a light on the everyday heroes of care – the people who go above and beyond to ensure others can live well, with dignity, independence and support. We are proud to give these professionals the recognition they deserve.”
The event was made possible thanks to support of a wide range of sponsors, including Howden Insurance, Spark Care, Fulcrum Care, CoolCare, Citation, AEB Social Care, SESCA, Checkout Superstore Slough, CareLineLive and Wokingham Borough Council.
More information about the awards is available via: berkscare.co.uk/bca-care-awards/
