Colten Care celebrated colleagues across its 21 care homes and head office recently at an in-house awards ceremony.

The glittering black-tie event saw both individuals and groups recognised in nine categories at the Colten Champions awards.

Colten Care honoured excellence in nursing, caring, teamwork, support services and other ways staff make a positive difference to residents, families and each other.

There were more than 1,000 nominations from homes in Dorset, Hampshire, West Sussex and Wiltshire, as well as the Colten House head office in Ringwood.

Over 400 nominations were submitted by residents and relatives.

Bincy Thomas, senior care lead at Brook View in West Moors, said she was taken by complete surprise when she heard her name read out as the winner of the Caring Excellence Award.

“Many people work in support of residents’ care, so I knew others deserved the award too,” she added.

“Yes I was a finalist, but I really didn’t think I would win it.

“It was a surprise, and then after I went up, everyone was congratulating me and my fellow carers and nurses were saying ‘you deserve it, we’re so lucky you’re here’.”

Asked for her view of the qualities that produce ‘caring excellence’, Bincy said: “Remember that everything is centred around the resident.

“You should always be honest and friendly to them and their relatives. I try to take care of everyone as if they were my own family.

“You act as a problem solver, and you support your colleagues on the floor. I look at the team as my sisters and brothers.”

The ceremony took place at the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel following a champagne reception and dinner.

Afterwards, guests danced to live music from pop rock party band We Are Robot.

Event host was Hampshire-based Manley Hopkinson, a polar explorer and round-the-world yachtsman.

Manley said: “It was a superb evening and the energy was infectious.

“It was an honour to present the awards and speak to the teams. I felt humbled and inspired in equal measure.”

Colten Care residents were represented by guest of honour Mollie Speirs, who travelled to Bournemouth from Kingfishers care home in New Milton.

For every resident or relative nomination made, Colten Care donated £10 to their respective care home’s charity of the year.

Chief executive Mark Aitchison said: “Colten Champions is a brilliant way to celebrate colleagues who truly embody our values and consistently go above and beyond.

“I thank all those who put in a nomination, including so many residents and relatives, and of course congratulate all the winners, finalists and nominees.

“Their success is richly deserved, and it’s a privilege to work with them.”