Last week, Kingston Council hosted the Frontline Staff Star Awards, bringing together care providers from across the borough to celebrate the people who make a difference every single day.

This year's event, which took place on Tuesday, 10 March, came just ahead of Social Work Week 2026 (16 – 20 March) — a timely moment to recognise the dedication running through all of Kingston's social care workforce.

The awards recognise staff working in care homes, home care, supported living and day services: the people supporting residents to live safely, independently and with dignity, often in challenging circumstances.

"This year's response was exceptional," says the council.

It received 350 nominations across 22 categories, submitted by colleagues, managers, people who use services and their families. Each nomination told a story of compassion, professionalism and quiet determination.

Awards were presented across four areas of care, including:

• Care homes
• Home care
• Supported Living
• Day services

Categories recognised clinical excellence, teamwork, long service, going above and beyond, carer of the year and residents' choice awards.

Kingston Council said: "What stood out in the nominations was the consistency of language.

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"Words like kindness, patience, respect and dignity appeared again and again."

 Many described staff supporting residents and families through illness, end of life care, recovery or significant life changes.

Others highlighted those who create joy in everyday moments organising trips, leading activities, mentoring colleagues or simply taking the time to listen.

The breadth and quality of nominations reflect the strength of Kingston's care sector and the commitment of provider organisations and their staff.

Adult Social Care in Kingston works closely with independent care providers. The Frontline Staff Star Awards recognise that partnership and the shared responsibility for delivering safe, high-quality, person-centred support.

Councillor Hamed, portfolio holder for adult social care, public health and equalities, said: "Care work is skilled, complex and incredibly important. The people we celebrated today support some of our most vulnerable residents and help them live with dignity and independence.

"On behalf of the council, I want to thank every nominee, runner-up and winner. Your work matters, and we remain committed to working with our providers to strengthen and support Kingston's care community."

Winners and runners-up were presented with certificates and awards during the ceremony, followed by photographs and time to celebrate with colleagues and families.

The standard across categories was exceptionally high," says the council.

Many nominees received multiple independent submissions describing similar qualities, including reliability, warmth, leadership, calmness under pressure and a genuine commitment to residents' wellbeing.

"Selecting winners was not easy," the council added.

It said: "Care work can be demanding and is often unseen outside the people directly supported and their families. The awards provide a moment to recognise the skill, resilience and humanity involved.

"For residents and families who submitted nominations, it was also a chance to say thank you. Several described the difference a single member of staff had made during difficult periods, including illness, bereavement or recovery.

"These are not small acts. They shape people's experience of care and can transform lives to every member of staff working across care homes, home care, supported living and day services: thank you."