A gardener working in a London care home is encouraging those working in the not-for-profit care sector across London to enter a prestigious awards programme after winning big earlier this year.
Phil White, a gardener at Nightingale Care Home, run by Nightingale Hammerson, was named winner of the Compassion Award category, at this year’s Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards, for helping to bring together the local community through a love of the outdoors.
Phil says winning the award “was great recognition of all the hard work people in the sector do” and is calling on not-for-profit workers to get their nominations in ahead of next year’s event – which is free to enter.
Organised by Care Management Matters (CMM), and developed in conjunction with the National Care Forum, a not-for-profit organisation offering expert advice in the care sector, the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards recognise individuals and organisations that bring about significant impact in their communities within the not-for-profit sector. The awards celebrate hard work, dedication, innovation and excellence.
The accolade was given to Phil for the compassion he shows residents at Nightingale Care Home in everything that he does. As well as his gardening responsibilities, Phil goes above and beyond and regularly hosts teaching classes for residents and children to learn about the natural world, which has included introducing a beekeeping project where the two generations have created jars of honey together and take part in arts and crafts workshops.
Reflecting on his experience at the awards ceremony, Phil said:
“Markel was a great host who made the ceremony very personal, and the food was great too. Nightingale Care Home has mentioned the award win in every publication about the home, and winning has been great recognition of all the hard work people in the sector do.”
Anyone can enter themselves or nominate someone else in one of the categories – no matter what their position in an organisation. There is no charge for entry – but those wishing to submit a nomination or entry need to act fast, as the closing date for nominations is Friday 25th October. Those looking to make a last-minute entry and need support with their application are encouraged to speak to Lisa Werthmann at CMM.
Those successfully shortlisted will be invited to a prestigious ceremony held at The Grand Hotel in Birmingham on Friday 14th March. The event will bring together esteemed leaders in health and social care from across the UK, to applaud and learn about the diverse work of the winners and finalists.
Neil Galjaard, Divisional Managing Director at Markel, said:
“Every year, we are inspired by the incredible stories of how people and organisations, like Phil and Nightingale Care Home, make a real difference in people’s lives. As we prepare for our 11th award ceremony next year, we want to hear from those working in the not-for-profit care sector in London and beyond to celebrate their work and commitment to the care sector.”
Lisa Werthmann, Director at CMM, added: “It is a real privilege to have founded and to continue to organise the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards and give people and organisations like Phil and Nightingale Care Home the recognition they deserve.
“I urge everyone working in this sector to nominate your colleagues and also acknowledge your own hard work, so that we can continue to recognise excellence through what promises to be a truly emotional and inspiring celebration.”
To find out more about the benefits of entering and how you can nominate, visit: https://bit.ly/Markel3rdSectorCareAwards
Markel is widely recognised as a key supporter to the care sector through the provision of specialist insurance, legal, tax and consultancy capability. One such capability the company provides to the sector is their specialist care consultancy, Markel Care Practitioners, who are there to help across a range of issues such as risk management, inspection preparation and continuity planning.
For more information about Markel Insurance, visit: https://uk.markel.com/
