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SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITIES LANDS ADMIRAL NURSES TOP AWARD NOMINATION


Specialist dementia nurses at not-for-profit care village operator, Belong, have landed a coveted finalist shortlisting at the Dementia Care Awards 2025, for their work supporting older people and their families throughout the North West and West Midlands.


Belong Admiral Nurses, Bridget Lawler and Caroline Cliſton are up for the Admiral Nurse Award which recognises innovation, and ‘real-world difference’ made by those working in the role in partnership with Dementia UK.


The pair help Belong customers and their families navigate dementia with advice and signposting throughout the journey, for example, assisting arranging assessments with healthcare professionals, sitting in on social services meetings, or advising how to secure finance. They are also typically a first port-of- call for new customers, visiting their homes to guide them and offer moral support as part of the moving in process into Belong villages.


Now, the duo has been nominated for the accolade owing to the success of B’s Memory Cafe, a widening of their service to people living in the local area. The monthly drop-in invites guests for a coffee and a chat, oſten alongside an activity or entertainment, giving a welcome chance of respite to those attending.


Caroline Cliſton, Admiral Nurse at Belong, said: “People oſten come to us when a parent or partner has had a dementia


diagnosis but they’re unsure of what to do or where to turn, and that’s where we come in. We’ve always been there for Belong customers and we’re pleased to offer our help to those living in the community, too.”


In the lead-up to the upcoming summer awards, the pair has been championing Dementia Action Week as the spotlight is shone on the national campaign to promote awareness of the importance of early diagnosis. Belong villages’ doors continue to be open for meet and greets with management, personal tours, and a chance to enjoy onsite facilities including, bistro, salon, and specialist gym.


Bridget Lawler, Admiral Nurse at Belong, commented: “We’re really pleased to receive a Dementia Care Awards nomination. It's always encouraging to hear how our work helps so many people and to be recognised at national level is a fantastic achievement.”


www.belong.org.uk


THE CARE WORKERS’ CHARITY RESPONDS TO THE HOMECARE ASSOCIATION'S REPORT: FEE RATES FOR STATE-FUNDED HOMECARE IN 2025-26


A new report from the Homecare Association reveals the shocking extent of underfunding in the homecare sector – branding current commissioning practices as “state-sponsored labour exploitation.”


Key findings show: • 27% of contracts in England fall below the legal minimum cost of employing a care worker (£12.21/hour including travel and training).


• Six councils have proposed 0% upliſt in 2025–26 despite inflationary pressures of 10–12%.


• The average council fee is just £24.10/hour, far short of the £32.14/hour needed for safe, sustainable care.


• Only 1% of contracts meet the minimum threshold for quality care.


With over 418,000 people waiting for support, 57% of providers planning to hand back contracts, and care workers leaving the workforce – the sector is on the brink of collapse.


Ahead of the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Homecare Association is calling for a National Contract for Care and urgent reform to local authority commissioning and funding.


The Care Workers’ Charity supports the Homecare Association’s calls and urges the government to: • Close the £1.6bn funding gap in adult social care to protect services and ensure legal pay standards are met.


• Deliver fair pay for care workers by aligning commissioning 4 www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


practices with the realities of workforce costs and the ambitions of the Fair Pay Agreement.


• Recognise care workers as skilled, essential professionals– not a low-cost solution to a growing national need.


Without adequate funding, care workers will continue to face exploitation, insecurity, and burnout.


The Care Workers’ Charity stands ready to work with government, providers, and care workers to embed long- overdue reform and deliver a future where care work is properly valued, fairly paid, and fully respected.


https://www.homecareassociation.org.uk/asset/2F698BC3-6906-4555-AAB7C- CBF11797B0B/


You can read the full report here. www.thecareworkerscharity.org.uk.


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