A Hexham care home is celebrating after three of its team members were named finalists in a national awards scheme.
Cygnet Oaklands, based on the town's Anick Road, is in the running for honours at the North East Region of the Great British Care Awards 2025.
Service manager Ashleigh Yilmaz, maintenance manager Neil Young, and support worker Mercy Igbaroola have all been shortlisted for awards recognising their dedication to individuals with learning disabilities and complex needs.
Ms Yilmaz said: "I’m absolutely delighted to be shortlisted and really proud to see Neil and Mercy recognised for their incredible work.
"These nominations reflect the dedication and passion that runs through the whole Oaklands team.
"Neil and Mercy both embody what great care is all about – putting people first, treating everyone with dignity, and making a real difference in the lives of those we support.
"To have our team’s efforts recognised at this level is a huge honour and something we’re all very proud of.
"On a personal level, I’m really shocked and humbled to have been nominated, it makes a lot of the hard work worth it."
The Great British Care Awards celebrate excellence across the care sector, highlighting individuals and teams who go above and beyond to deliver high-quality, person-centred care.
Ms Yilmaz, who joined Cygnet Oaklands in 2022, is a finalist in the Care Home Registered Manager category.
She has a background in adult nursing and has worked in trauma and intensive care, older adult care, acute mental health, and learning disability settings.
After teaching English abroad, she returned to the UK and progressed from registered nurse to service manager at Cygnet Oaklands.
She is passionate about improving the quality of nursing and support within the social care sector.
Mr Young, maintenance manager, is shortlisted in the Putting People First category.
His nomination highlights his person-centred approach to creating a safe, welcoming environment that promotes residents’ independence and individuality.
Support worker Ms Igbaroola is a finalist in the Ancillary Worker and Dignity in Care category.
She is recognised for her commitment to promoting dignity, respect, and independence, and for inspiring colleagues with her compassionate approach.
Ms Igbaroola said: "Being nominated is a true honour and a personal milestone.
"Dignity has always been central to my approach to care, recognising each person’s humanity, respecting their choices, and ensuring they feel valued, heard, and safe.
"This nomination reflects the compassion, patience, and respect I strive to bring to every interaction.
"To me, care is about restoring confidence, preserving independence, and showing kindness when it’s most needed.
"Being recognised among such inspiring individuals who share this commitment is deeply humbling.
"It reminds me that small acts of dignity, a smile, a word of reassurance, a moment spent truly listening, can help build a culture of respect and compassion.
"This nomination reaffirms my dedication to championing dignity in care and to ensuring that every person I support feels seen, respected, and valued."
Cygnet Oaklands is part of the Cygnet Social Care division and provides specialist residential support with nursing for adults with learning disabilities and complex needs.
The service aims to help individuals achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.
The North East regional winners of the Great British Care Awards will be announced at a gala evening later this year.
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