PRESS RELEASE: WSPiC Care Accolades 2026 Celebrates Outstanding Care Professionals Across West Sussex

The very best of the West Sussex care sector were celebrated in spectacular style at the glittering WSPiC Care Accolades 2026, which was held recently at the stunning venue of Selden Barns in Patching.

Hosted by the charismatic Dawn Gracie, the evening brought together care professionals, providers and supporters from across the county to recognise the dedication, compassion and excellence that exists throughout the West Sussex care industry.

Guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of celebration in beautiful surroundings, honouring the individuals and teams who go above and beyond every day to support people in care settings across the region.

This year’s winners and highly commended recipients were:

Ancillary Worker Award

Winner: Adam Symonds, Ashton Care (Bognor Regis)
Highly Commended: Diana Pranskuniene, Care UK

Best Practice Award

Winner: Sophie Hare, Sussex Grange
Highly Commended: Jude Ogie Ebakata, Ansa Care Ltd

Care Team Award

Winner: Sussex Grange Care Home
Highly Commended: Transforming Support Sussex Ltd – Harvest Rise

Care Worker Award

Winner: Bernard Gbolab Henry, Ansa Care Ltd
Highly Commended: Luna Crossley, Sussex Grange

Chair’s Award

Winner: Stephen Dyer, Oakwood Court Care Home / Sussex Housing & Care
Highly Commended: Rebecca Newman-Smith, Ashton Care (Bognor Regis)

Clerical Worker Award

Winner: Sarah Day, Kardinal Healthcare
Highly Commended: Charlie Smith, The Bill House

Digital & Cyber Award

Winner: Catalina Topala, Sunhill Court Nursing Home
Highly Commended: James Twocock, Cornelius House

Excellence in Dementia Care Award

Winner: Ian Thompson-Escott, Care UK
Highly Commended: Melody Akena, Sunhill Court Nursing Home

International Recruitment Award

Winner: Rebecca Newman-Smith, Ashton Care (Bognor Regis)
Highly Commended: Christine Barnes, Oakland Court

Nursing Award

Winner: Ashton House Nursing Home Team
Highly Commended: Maggie Gawlowska, Egalite Care Ltd

Registered Manager Award

Winner: Bincy Mathew, Ashton House Nursing Home
Highly Commended: Corinna Forsdike, Sussex Grange

Support Worker Award

Winner: Mayowa Amusan, Ansa Care Ltd
Highly Commended: PJ Chate, Egalite Care Ltd

The event was attended by Alan Sinclair, Executive Director of Adults’ Services and Health in West Sussex, who gave a talk as part of the evening. Also Mike Bailey (Skills for Care) and Amanda Jupp (ex Council leader for Social Care) received awards for their commitment to social care. 

The WSPiC care accolades highlight the incredible commitment, professionalism and compassion shown by all those working within the care sector and served as a reminder of the vital role care professionals play in supporting communities across West Sussex.

WSPiC Chair, Rosemary Pavoni BEM, said “What an incredible evening celebrating the very best of care in West Sussex. Every nominee, finalist and winner should feel immensely proud of themselves. It was truly inspiring to see so many dedicated professionals come together to celebrate excellence, compassion, kindness and innovation in care – and in such a stunning setting as Selden Barns, which really was the icing on the cake.” 

WSPiC extended sincere thanks to the evening’s sponsors for their valued support: Care Choices, Penguin Training Ltd, Citation, Christie & Co, SESCA and the Digital Care Hub.

A video capturing highlights from the evening can be viewed here:
WSPiC Care Accolades Highlights Video

To find out more about West Sussex Partners in Care and how to become a member, go to: https://westsussexpartnersincare.org/