Recognised for the difference they make
Almost 90 carers have been recognised for the difference they make to people’s lives across Kirklees. This occurred at our fifth annual Carer of the Year awards. Carers were invited to hear the words of appreciation submitted by the customers they support across the area.
The new Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Karen Allison, presented awards at the morning session and praised the compassion, dedication and professionalism shown by carers working in the borough.
Also attending were Jo Byfield from Kirklees and Calderdale Care Association. Representatives from Kirklees Council and members of the Caremark Franchise Support Centre team were also present.
Caremark Kirklees asked customers to nominate a carer or group of carers for the awards. This year, almost 90 carers were put forward — the highest number in the event’s history.
Each nomination reflected the kindness, patience and reliability shown by carers every day. Customers shared personal messages about the support that helps them remain safe, independent and valued in their own homes.
Our winner received a record 12 nominations
There were also special awards for long service and for staff selected by the Caremark management team.
The winner of the overall Care Assistant of the Year award was Komal Rizwan. She received a record 12 nominations from the people she supports.
Comments included:
“Thank you Komal for your kind words when I was upset and unwell. You held my hand and knew exactly what to say to make me feel better.
“Komal really does go above and beyond for me and calls me ‘My Queen!’
Komal, who joined Caremark Kirklees in 2024, said: “I am truly honoured and grateful to have received the Carer of the Year Award. Working in care has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I enjoy supporting people to live comfortably and independently while treating them with dignity, respect, compassion, and kindness. Furthermore, I treat them with dignity, respect, compassion, and kindness.
Winning this award means a great deal to me, and it motivates me to continue providing the highest standard of care. I would like to sincerely thank my managers, coordinator, colleagues, and everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in me throughout my journey. Their guidance and teamwork have played an important part in helping me achieve this recognition.
Thank you again for recognising my work. I truly appreciate it and am proud to be part of the Caremark team, where I have the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives every day. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated and supportive team.
A powerful reminder of the difference care makes
Councillor Karen Allison, Mayor of Kirklees, said: “What we saw at the awards is a powerful reminder of the difference that care makes, not just in practical terms. It also makes a difference in people’s lives every single day.
“Care is about so much more than the tasks you carry out. It’s about kindness, patience, dignity and respect. It’s about being there for people, often at their most vulnerable, and helping them feel safe, valued and supported.
“That takes a very special kind of person. To everyone working in care, you should be incredibly proud of what you do. Your compassion, dedication and commitment do not go unnoticed.
“You make a real difference, not only to individuals, but to families and to our wider community here in Kirklees.”
Jo Byfield, Business Manager at Kirklees and Calderdale Care Association, said: “I was delighted to join the Caremark Kirklees Care Awards and share in such a joyful celebration of the incredible people who deliver outstanding care to residents every day. Being there as a representative of the local care association reminded me just how much compassion, dedication, and kindness goes into supporting our community. Moreover, it was inspiring to see the team at Caremark Kirklees recognised for the incredible difference they make in people’s lives.”
We love hearing the recognition given to our carers
Duncan and Fiona Smith, the Directors of Caremark Kirklees, said: “This is our fifth year of holding these awards and every year we love hearing the recognition given to our carers by our customers.
“It is so important to us that our care team understands how much they are appreciated — not only by customers for the amazing work they do every day, but also by everyone in the office team.
“Our carers demonstrate our values of kindness, professionalism and reliability every day. This event is about celebrating the fantastic work they do in our community.”
About Caremark Kirklees
If you would like to work for a company where you feel valued and rewarded, please view our care jobs in Kirklees. Or if you would like to find out more about receiving care from us, please view our home care in Kirklees. You can also contact us.