Islington carers celebrated at Dignity in Care Awards

The Dignity in Care Awards, which took place at Islington Assembly Hall on Monday, 22 September, highlighted the quality of care and support provided to residents by carers across the borough, helping those they look after to stay independent for longer. 

The 2025 award winners were:  

• HomeDot Care - Most Innovative Care team    
• Jemma Scott - Personal Assistant of the Year   
• Uchenna Oguejiofor - Outstanding Achievement in Adult Disability or Mental Health Support  
• Bervelyn Anyan - Most Compassionate Carer in Homecare, and Residential and Nursing Care Homes  
• Lia Smochina - Care Leader of the Year  
• Bill Murray – Carer of the Year (Unpaid) 
• Trish Kavanagh - Shared Lives Carer of the Year 
• Kevin Farrell – Special Recognition  

Lia Smochina, who was named Care Leader of the Year said about the awards ceremony: “Every year it’s exciting, it’s rewarding, it’s empowering, it makes you feel valued. It’s so emotional seeing all the carers happy when they are recognised for their achievements, and so am I!”  

Kevin Farrell, winner of the Special Recognition Award, has spent the last two years with the NHS Better Lives Aftercare Team leading on resident involvement. He said: “What I try to do on a daily basis is involve residents in how best we can deliver our service, giving them a voice. I believe experts by experience are vital to how we are delivering services in Islington.” 

When describing what winning this award meant to him, Kevin said: “I feel very grateful – it’s not just about me, it’s about the broader team, the Better Lives Aftercare Team." 

He added: “We work in a therapeutic way, but also we're very inclusive. We listen and then we try to make what we've listened to come to reality. It's a difficult environment a lot of the times and challenging, but it's rewarding when you see people come through and get to where they need to go.” 

Cllr Dr Sara Hyde, Islington Council's Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “The Dignity in Care awards are a special event – a moment to stop and thank carers across the borough who go above and beyond for loved ones and residents they support. 

“This year I had the honour of joining the judging panel and reading all the heartfelt words of appreciation. Carers are a hugely important part of Islington and making the borough a better place for our residents. 

“A huge congratulations to this year’s winners and everyone who received a nomination. The work you do every day is vital. It was such a moving occasion and an absolute pleasure getting to celebrate you all at the awards.”  

The judging panel chose eight winners from more than 100 nominations, many of which were made by residents themselves and their families. Attendees to the event were treated to music chosen by artists at Daylight Studio, an Islington-based charity supporting people with learning disabilities.