27/10/2026
🎉 Derbyshire Carers Association Recognised as Carers UK Awards 2026 Finalist 🏆
🌟 We are delighted to share that Derbyshire Carers Association's HConnect project was shortlisted as a finalist at the Carers UK Awards 2026, recognising the significant impact the service is making for unpaid Carers across Derby and Derbyshire. 💙
🏥 Funded through the Accelerating Reform Fund, HConnect was developed to improve outcomes for Carers by ensuring they are identified, recognised and involved throughout hospital discharge and wider health pathways. The project brings together three key strands of work: Carer-inclusive hospital practice, research, and community investment, helping to create lasting system change that better supports unpaid Carers.
👩⚕️👨⚕️ Working in partnership with dedicated hospital teams across Derby and Derbyshire, HConnect has already delivered Carers Awareness Training to more than 600 health professionals, helping to increase understanding of Carers' experiences and the vital role they play in supporting loved ones. Through this work, the project is helping to embed a more Carer-aware culture across health services and ensure Carers are identified earlier and connected to the support available 🔗.
🏅 The awards received more than 600 nominations from across the UK 🇬🇧, with HConnect progressing through to become one of only seven finalists in its category. ⭐ Being recognised on a national stage is a fantastic achievement and reflects the commitment of our staff, partners and, most importantly, the Carers whose experiences continue to shape and inspire the project 💚.
📸 Pictured below are Tina Curran and Lesley Hodkin, who represented Derbyshire Carers Association at the awards ceremony last Thursday 🎉.
💙 While we are incredibly proud to have reached the finals, this recognition also highlights the importance of continuing this work. Every day, thousands of unpaid Carers help loved ones to remain safe, independent and well, often with little recognition of the impact caring has on their own lives.
🌈 Through HConnect and our wider services, we remain committed to ensuring Carers are identified, valued and supported 🤗, and we look forward to building on this success with our health and community partners in the years ahead 🚀.
