The care sector has not had the easiest time through the Covid-19 crisis, but dedicated teams have worked around the clock to prove compassion really does exist in Maidstone.

Now, a new award scheme backed by the Kent Messenger wants to recognise this hard work by finding a worthy winner for its care and residential category.

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A collaboration between the Heart of Kent Hospice and Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), the Compassionate Community Awards 2020 has six gongs to give away to people who deserve recognition.

Sarah Pugh, chief executive at the Heart of Kent Hospice, knows exactly how hard people in care settings have been working and feels this category is especially important.

She said: "We chose this category because it's really important to highlight the commitment seen in this sector. There has been criticism recently but actually what we have seen is that people desperately want to do the best for their residents.

"Some members of staff stayed and lived in the homes to ensure safety, some kept residents connected with families, and others provided more than physical and emotional support."

Alison Broom, chief executive of MBC, said the category was about showcasing the acts of kindness that might have been overlooked.

She said: “Care homes have been in the headlines a lot because it has been a tough time for them.

“What we should be celebrating is the brilliant work where so much care, thought, and attention has been put into adapting services. If we are able to showcase that, we can balance some of the negativity.”

Nominees must either be living in, or working with, residents in the borough of Maidstone. Submissions from nearby areas will also be accepted.

The judges want to hear about those who have gone above and beyond to maintain the wellbeing of residents; particularly when they couldn’t see loved ones.

Whether homes kept families updated, supported residents through isolation, or invested in quality care through learning and development, this category is open for nominations.

The other awards are for compassion in a business or workplace; in a school or by a teacher; demonstrated by a young person; a neighbour or volunteer, or by a community.

Click here to nominate someone or email compassionateawards@maidstone.gov.uk by 5pm on Friday, September 25.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.