On 7 October, colleagues and the people we support came together at Whittlebury Hall in Northamptonshire for our annual Adult and Specialist Services Care Awards. Our highlights video captures a day full of pride, emotion and celebration.
Every year, our Adult and Specialist Services Care Awards give us the chance to stop and celebrate the people who make CareTech what it is. This year was no exception. Teams from across the division gathered to recognise colleagues who have gone above and beyond, and to celebrate the achievements of the people they support.
The awards shine a light on the everyday moments that make a real difference. These include a support worker who notices when someone needs encouragement, a team that adapts to help someone reach a goal, and a manager who builds a culture where people can thrive. This year we had 1200 nominations from across our services.
Some of the most memorable moments of the day came from two people we support. Jayden and Michael took to the stage to tell their own stories in their own words.
When Jayden joined CareTech in 2024 and moved into supported living at our London Road service in Stoke on Trent, he wasn’t convinced it was the right step for him. The journey wasn’t always straightforward. But London Road team never stopped believing in him.
Bit by bit, Jayden’s confidence grew and he began to plan for the future. He explored college courses, took driving lessons and looked into apprenticeships. Then he found his calling. Today, Jayden is an apprentice tattoo artist, his dream career. He is already ahead of his goals, with more than 30 people volunteering for his designs.
This summer, Jayden reached another milestone when he moved into his own apartment at Smithfield Apartments in Hanley. He now has his own front door, his own independence and a future he’s genuinely excited about.
“Two years ago, I would never have dreamed I would be where I am now,” Jayden told the audience. He thanked his mum for believing in him, and the teams at London Road and Smithfield Apartments for seeing his potential, even when he couldn’t see it himself.
Michael has a lot to celebrate this year. He was the very first person to move into Smithfield Apartments, where he has embraced his independence. He’s been cooking, getting out into the community and learning new skills.
He also completed his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award during his time at Amberleigh House, and travelled to Buckingham Palace to receive it. Michael called it “an amazing day that I will never forget.”
Football is a big part of Michael’s life. This year he worked hard to earn a place in the Stoke City Foundation PAN-Disability Adult Team, and he recently played his first matches with his family cheering from the sidelines. He was quick to tell the audience that his heart still belongs to Arsenal! Michael has also started at Strathmore College, where staff are proud of how much his confidence has grown.
Supported by Mick Tighe and the Smithfield team, Michael summed up his year simply: “If I work hard, keep trying, and believe in myself, I can achieve great things.”
At CareTech, our purpose is extraordinary days, every day. Jayden’s and Michael’s stories show what that means in real life. It means teams who believe in people, back their goals and celebrate every step forward, however big or small.
Congratulations to every colleague recognised at this year’s awards, and thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special. Most of all, thank you to Jayden and Michael for sharing their stories with us.
Watch the full highlights video above to relive the day.
