AS Age UK Oxfordshire calls for nominations for the Dignity in Care Awards, its chief executive explains why we need to celebrate and appreciate the 'invisible' workers who compassionately support our social care system.

FOR more than 15 years Penny Thewlis has been heavily involved with Age UK Oxfordshire and in recent months stepped up to the plate as chief executive.

She believes this years' Dignity in Care Awards are just as important as ever to recognise the hard work and dedication both paid care workers and unpaid carers give to support the most vulnerable people in the county.

She said: "I think undervalued is a good word to describe how those in social care feel.

"Particularly those who are unpaid carers, looking after family members or friends.

"Unlike a hospital, where you can see all this care taking place, quite often social care is carried out behind closed doors in domestic situations, it is invisible to those who are not directly affected or involved with it.

"And we need to bring some visibility to all the incredible work they do in our communities."

But those are not the only people and organisations the charity wants to celebrate and champion.

For the first time this year an 'Inspiration Award' has been added to the seven award categories.

Ms Thewlis explained that the new addition had happened 'quite by accident' after they received a nomination last year for a hairdresser.

She said: "We received this wonderful nomination from a resident who wanted to praise the care she had received when visiting a particular hair salon.

"She said how they went above and beyond to make her feel special.

"And said that when times were difficult how important it was for her to not only come out of the salon with a new hair do but also feeling cared for.

"She wanted to thank them for making her feel special every time she went in."

Unfortunately last year there was not a specific category to address the nomination, as they all focused on care organisations, individuals or volunteers.

Ms Thewlis added: "So of course we thought, why should we not create a new category?

"People can nominate someone or a business who have gone above and beyond what they should do in their jobs.

"So this could be a hairdressers, or someone in the bank, anyone who has shown that extra little bit of kindness that they ordinarily would not be expected to do in their profession.

"We really hope this will be a category where we will see some truly wonderful nominations of people from all different types of backgrounds in the county."

Ms Thewlis said she hoped the awards would continue and grow through the years.

She added: "The awards are all part of our campaigning, getting the message out there that there is a lot of good social care happening in the county.

"And to also highlight the issues so many of our paid and unpaid carers are having to face."

For more information about this year's awards visit ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire/news--campaigns/dignityincare/