Look Ahead support worker Ruth Carton with her trophy.
A Look Ahead staff member has won the Carer of the Year category at the 2024 Local Hero Awards after being nominated by one of her customers.
Ruth Carton, who works as a specialist domestic abuse support worker at one of Look Ahead’s Kent-based services, was recognised with the award at the finals ceremony in Birmingham, after a customer she supported nominated her for the prize.
Ruth said: “Winning Carer of the Year is an incredible feeling. I am truly grateful to have my work recognised by people I have supported, it’s a huge honour. I would also like to highlight the brilliant work of all my colleagues across our Kent services, I share this with you.”
Founded by estate agent Bal Heer – herself a multi-award winner – the Local Hero Awards highlight unsung heroes mainly across London and the Midlands.
The Carer of the Year category recognises people who work in care and have provided an outstanding service in the last year. The award focuses on professionals who go above and beyond when supporting groups or individuals.
The entire team at Look Ahead are proud of Ruth’s outstanding achievement.
Ruth has received wonderful feedback from people she has supported in the past, including:
- “Ruth has such an aura about her that automatically makes you feel at ease, she is such a genuine and kind person.”
- “Ruth never turns anyone away, she will always make time for them no matter what and help with anything they could need.”
- “I would really like to stress that my support worker Ruth, is someone who is without any doubt, outstanding.”
Look Ahead’s Head of Service and Domestic Abuse Matrix Lead Lorraine Lawson said: “It is a great pleasure to congratulate Ruth on her win. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are all exceedingly proud of her. Ruth is a committed and much valued part of our team, and her victory serves to highlight not only her own talents, but also the quality of service that we aspire to provide at Look Ahead. That she was initially nominated by someone she has supported is a further testament to this. Congratulations again.”
Look Ahead Chief Executive Chris Hampson said: “Look Ahead’s Kent domestic abuse services have gone from strength to strength over the years, and support staff like Ruth have been a crucial part of this success. It is wonderful to see Ruth’s outstanding work recognised in this way, which reflects our wider organisational value of excellence. I extend her my warmest congratulations.”
