Active Care Group is delighted to share that we have been named as finalists in multiple categories in this year’s National Care Awards.
The National Care Awards are the largest awards in the UK care sector, recognising excellence across care homes, domiciliary care, specialist care, suppliers, and more.
Active Care Group have been nominated in the following categories:
- Care Home Manager of the Year
Nina Bailey, manager at Conifer Lodge, has been shortlisted for Care Home Manager of the Year. Conifer Lodge is our residential service in Cambridgeshire for adults with learning disabilities and autism. The nominees for this category have demonstrated a high level of expertise in managing the services of the home to the benefit of residents, staff, and their local community.
Under Nina’s leadership, the service has consistently received high praise, including back-to-back CQC ‘Outstanding’ ratings, a testament to Conifer Lodges’ support in developing everyday living skills and personal confidence for the individuals we support.
- Deputy Manager of the Year
Also recognised is Mary Alusa, Deputy Manager at Blackheath Brain Injury Rehabilitation Centre, who has been named a finalist in the Deputy Manager of the Year category. Nominees in this category have been able to demonstrate a high level of expertise in managing their services to the benefit of residents, staff, and their local community.
Known for her calm leadership and deep commitment to high-quality care, Mary’s nomination highlights her influence in fostering a positive working culture, empowering staff and maintaining consistently high standards of rehabilitation support.
- Tech Innovation of the Year
- Specialist Care Provider of the Year: Large Group
Elsewhere, Active Neuro, part of Active Care Group, which delivers neurological rehabilitation enhanced by technology, has received nominations for Tech Innovation of the Year (alongside Active Care Group) and Specialist Care Provider of the Year: Large Group category.
The Tech Innovation of the Year award recognises organisations that use innovative technology to enhance operational performance and improve the delivery of care.
At Active Neuro, the technology across our services supports all areas of rehabilitation, including upper and lower limb function, movement, and balance, helping patients make meaningful progress in their recovery.
The Specialist Care Provider of the Year: Large Group category celebrates excellence in delivering complex and specialist care across large-scale organisations (20+ services).
Our nominations come at a time of exciting developments across Active Neuro’s services, with a strong focus on outcomes-led, multidisciplinary support for people living with the effects of brain injury and neurological conditions.
- Specialist Carer of the Year
In the Specialist Carer of the Year category, Anna Barwinek has been recognised for her work supporting clients through our Care in the Home division for nearly two decades.
Alongside her work with individuals and families, Anna recently published “Still Here, Still You,” a guide aimed at helping those adjusting to life after a spinal cord injury. Her nomination pays tribute to both her professional commitment and personal contribution to supporting people.
These nominations reflect the hard work and dedication of teams across Active Care Group’s services, including neurorehabilitation, residential care, and community-based support.
The awards ceremony takes place on 7 November 2025 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London, and promises to be a night of celebration across the care sector.