Northamptonshire carers support group wins national award and £3,000 prize for its outstanding community work
A Northamptonshire community group supporting carers has scooped a prestigious national award and received a £3,000 prize in recognition of its work.
SENDS 4 Dad, founded by Paul Meadows, was named Community Group of the Year at the second annual Carers UK Awards, held in London on Thursday, October 15.
The group was recognised for its contribution to supporting carers, joining organisations and individuals from across the country celebrated for making a difference to people's lives.
The awards ceremony, held at Plaisterer's Hall, brought together shortlisted nominees across 11 categories, selected from hundreds of entries nationwide.
Paul attended the event alongside fellow SENDS 4 Dad representative Andy Crockatt, where they received their award and a £3,000 donation from awards sponsor Regina.
The Northamptonshire group's success was among the highlights of an evening celebrating the achievements of unpaid carers, community volunteers, campaigners and organisations working to improve support for families.
Other winners included Tracey Henry, named Carer of the Year, and Greenwich Carers Centre, which received the Outstanding Carer Service award.
Carers UK chief executive Helen Walker praised the dedication of everyone recognised.
She said: “For the second year running, we came together to celebrate the exceptional achievements of those striving to make life better for carers, from community groups providing practical and innovative support to truly inspiring leaders showing what a carer-friendly workplace looks like.
“I found it extremely moving and motivating to hear of the fantastic work being done across the UK.”
She added that millions of people provide unpaid care for friends and relatives, often without adequate recognition or support.
The awards aim to highlight the importance of improving rights and opportunities for carers while celebrating those making positive changes.