The winners and care workers shortlisted for the Hackney Care Worker awards this year

Care workers across Hackney who provide care and help for vulnerable people in the borough, were celebrated at a special ceremony at Hackney Town Hall this month. 

Hundreds of care workers were nominated for the third annual Hackney Care Worker of the Year awards by their employers and the people they provide care and help for. They play a vital role in allowing people, who need care and support, to remain in their own homes for as long as possible, helping them to keep their independence.

Care workers also play a vital role in combating loneliness and isolation for older people with care and support needs, as they can often be the only person coming into contact with a resident every day or every week.  

There were two categories for this year’s awards including Care in the Community and Care in the Home. 17 care workers were shortlisted for both categories and two overall winners were given a trophy and certificate to celebrate their work. 

38-year-old Cruesa Lisandra Moutinho De-Casto, who won the Care in the Home category, said: “I was not expecting to win at all and I cannot wait to tell Mrs Bennett, (service user who nominated Cruesa). I was very surprised but award ceremonies like this are important as care workers are not recognised like they should be. I get so much out of the work I do, making a difference to someone’s life."

Hirute Gebreselase, who is 37 and lives in London Fields, won the Care in the Community category. She was nominated by service user Patricia Redman, who has been receiving care from Hirute for 14 years. Hirute said: “I didn’t expect to win, but I am really grateful, pleased and honoured. I love Patricia, she reminds me of my mother who I lost at a young age. All of the residents I care for remind me of my parents. I cannot express how grateful I am to the service users and the Council for organising this. I love my job and my children will be happy to see this, as a reward for all of my hard work.”

72-year-old Patricia Redman from Stoke Newington who nominated Hirute, said: “Hirute is always punctual and always goes the extra mile for me. She has seen my highs and my lows but my needs are always her number one priority. She is an exceptional care worker, people like her are the bedrock of our society. Sadly we always hear the negative, rather than positive things about people who do this type of job. I think this is a great initiative to celebrate people like Hirute and really pleased that this has been organised. Thank you for creating this opportunity. 

The awards were organised by Hackney Council to recognise the vital role of care workers in communities across the borough, delivering care for vulnerable people in difficult and challenging circumstances. Care workers play a key role in enabling people, who need care in Hackney, to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Nominations for next year’s Hackney Care Worker of the Year Awards will open next summer.