The Awards welcomed returning host, Sally Lindsay, who oversaw the ceremony for the second time. Attendees also experienced an interactive performance from disability-led charity, DanceSyndrome. In addition, CMM was thrilled to announce The Care Workers’ Charity as its Charity of the Year and can confirm that £620.25 was raised from donations made during the ceremony.
The full list of Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2025 finalists and winners is as follows:
Dementia Care Award
- Winner: Alzheimer Café Isle of Wight at Parklands.
- Finalist: Bromley Dementia Hub Team.
The judges said about the winner… ‘A skilled and compassionate team of both staff and volunteers have come together with the local community and local businesses to create a safe, fun and welcoming place for people to thrive and live well.’
Collaboration (Integration) Award
- Winner: Palliative Care Urgent Response Service, DHU Healthcare CIC.
- Finalist: Alive Activities and the Dementia/Delirium Falls Team.
- Finalist: New Vision Bradford and Yorkshire Ambulance Service.
The judges said about the winner… ‘It was clear that the drive and passion of this finalist has been a huge driving force in this collaboration, which has enabled resources, professionals and services to come together and provide this vital support to adults and children at the end of their lives.’
CMM spoke to Jill Davies, Palliative Care Clinical Lead and Advanced Nurse Practitioner at DHU Healthcare CIC, who commented, ‘It’s been heartwarming to be part of these awards and listen to what other people have been doing. But it’s not about us, it’s about people who are dying in their communities that want to die there and in their own homes. That’s who we are here for.’
Technology Award
- Winner: The Tech Lending Library, Alternative Futures Group.
- Finalist: Crossroads Care Surrey.
- Finalist: Apax, VR Wellness.
The judges said about the winner… ‘This co-produced, person-centred service is providing the opportunity for a wide range of people, who may not otherwise get the opportunity, to experience how technology can support and improve their lives.’
CMM spoke to Andrew Kendall, Chief Commercial Officer at Alternative Futures Group, who commented, ‘We’ve got a whole lot of more complex technology projects in the pipeline, where we’ve been working with commissioners to create very detailed specifications. We’ve got a very strong co-production group and we’re looking to involve them around what other things they would like to see, such as more sophisticated robotic pets.’
Compassion Award
- Winner: Rosemary Stephen, Making Space.
- Finalist: Emma Kiss, Outlook Care.
- Finalist: Bernadette Charehwa, Woodleigh Community Lifeline.
The judges said about the winner… ‘We were wowed by this compassionate individual’s tireless dedication to both carers and cared for. The sheer breadth of what she is doing is incredible – she goes to extraordinary lengths to understand the diverse needs of different communities and ensure they are met.’
CMM spoke to Rosemary Stephen, Care and Support Worker at Making Space, who commented, ‘It is really encouraging to win this award. It is not only for me, but for all of the groups that I work with, because if they are not there, I am not there. They encourage me to move forwards, and we are a big family. We always promote and welcome everybody!’
Leadership Award
- Winner: Jill Davies, DHU Healthcare CIC.
- Finalist: Neal Williams, Aspire Living.
- Finalist: Sam Avery, Thera South West.
The judges said about the winner… ‘The winner of this award is the kind of leader who downplays their own role because they are, first and foremost, a doer. They lead by example – getting involved, supporting their team, and ensuring that things get done.’
Social Care Nursing Award
- Winner: Jan-Axle Enabore.
- Finalist: Helen Cowan.
- Finalist: Emma Brannan.
The judges said about the winner… ‘We had to deliberate for a long time to decide on our winner and would like to highlight how close this decision was. The unique blend of professional expertise and personal insight allows this person to offer outstanding care that truly resonates with patients and their families, ultimately enhancing the overall patient experience.’
Creative Arts Award
- Winner: The Wey Aye Lego Man Exhibition, Ngage.
- Finalist: Intergenerational Music Making (IMM).
- Finalist: Belong Chester Intergenerational and Experience Day Teams.
The judges said about the winner… ‘This group of artists and creatives are using art to tell stories, make connections and spread positivity. The artists collaborate with community organisations, professionals and businesses, and have big dreams.’
CMM spoke to Rachel Spencer, Director at Ngage NE, who commented, ‘I think neurodiversity and learning disability sometimes doesn’t get the recognition it deserves so it’s an incredible achievement. We have about 80 individuals in the exhibition so it’s a win that we want to share with each of them. Hopefully this leads to more neurodivergent photographers being celebrated, having their work exhibited and ultimately sold.’
Community Engagement Award
- Winner: DSN (Deaf and Sensory Network).
- Finalist: The Connect Hub and Café Connect.
- Finalist: Brighton and Hove Music for Connection.
The judges said about the winner… ‘This organisation engages with its community to promote diversity and inclusion through community partnerships at all levels. This winner promotes a holistic approach, not only on social inclusion, but also to address the essential wellbeing needs of its local community, making a long-lasting impact.’
Development and Innovation Award
- Winner: Apax, VR Wellness.
- Finalist: UK3Lions CIC.
- Finalist: The Hoppiness Project and Alive Activities.
The judges said about the winner… ‘Our winner clearly demonstrated how their innovation has been used to improve and invigorate outcomes for both residents and staff. Since its implementation, it has boosted mood, increased engagement and motivation, supported practical accomplishments, and ultimately enhanced overall wellbeing.’
CMM spoke to Israa Qaddourah, Project Manager at Apax, who commented, ‘We are so honoured to win this Award, it was a big surprise to us that we won! I think one of the features that separates Apax and makes us quite unique is that we’re making an effort to become a values-driven enterprise, so our corporate values are at the centre of our working practices.’
The Dame Esther Rantzen Campaigning for Change Award
- Winner: Talking Generations, Intergenerational Music Making (IMM) and Intergenerational England.
- Finalist: Suzy Lamplugh Trust and the National Stalking Consortium.
The judges said about the winner… ‘We had great difficulty making this decision and valued both finalists highly. The winner’s integrated approach to health and wellbeing acts as a vital tool for systemic change in its approach to care and support services, impacting all generations through a universal language – music.’
End of Life Care Award
- Winner: Palliative Care Urgent Response Service, DHU Healthcare CIC.
- Finalist: St George’s Nursing Team, Outlook Care.
The judges said about the winner… ‘The team work tirelessly to support people of all ages and diagnosis, helping them have choice and dignity at the end of their life. Working in expert collaboration with an array of other services and families who are often in crisis, to ensure a calm and compassionate service.’
Making a Difference Award
- Winner: Edward Dean, Anxious Minds.
- Finalist: Bernadette Charehwa, Woodleigh Community Lifeline.
- Finalist: Tracey Dennis-Andrews, Encompass Care.
The judges said about the winner… ‘It was an absolute pleasure to listen to stories of the tremendous work being carried out and to hear the personal experience of this leader, fuelling the passion to ensure no one is abandoned and left alone to face their darkest moments.’
A massive thank you!
CMM’s thanks go to everyone who was involved in the Markel 3rd Sector Care Awards 2025, from those nominated to the judges, supporters and sponsors. In particular, the Awards’ headline sponsor, Markel, without whom the Awards would simply not be possible. CMM looks forward to recognising more inspiring work in the voluntary and not-for-profit care and support sector with the 2026 event, details of which will be announced soon.
Follow @3rdsectorcare and use #3rdSectorCareAwards on social media to stay up to date or visit the Awards’ dedicated website for the latest information.
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