Avenues employer wins prestigious ‘Carer of the Year’ Award in Kent
Wednesday 5th of November 2025Avenues Service Manager Mel Parish came out top at the Adult Social Care (ASC) Awards, part of the Medway Provider Conference recently.
According to Medway Council the Carer of the Year Award “celebrates an individual who exemplifies excellence in care through their dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to those they support.”
There were three award categories at the event held in October: Care Provider of the Year, Social and Innovation award, and Carer of the Year. 60 nominations were received across all three categories.
Mel was presented the award by Medway Council Chief Executive Richard Hicks and Councillor Teresa Murray, Deputy Leader of Medway Council and Portfolio Holder for Public Health (pictured left).
Although aware she was nominated the award came as quite a surprise for Mel;
“I was very shocked as am aware of just how many providers cover the Medway area.” said Mel, who also stressed it was very much a collective award.
Avenues Senior Operations Manager, Martin Slater is immensely proud of Mel and her work:
‘’The focus of this years Medway Adult Social Care award was about how our carers show respect and thoughtfulness to people they support in Medway. Plus demonstrating how they value Medway’s diversity, heritage and equality and to be ambitious for Medway in an innovative, bold and positive manner. I’m proud to say that Mel does this in buckets.
“Her focus is to ensure that people are kept stimulated, fit and healthy and are visible in their local community and use local facilities to the full. She positively encourages her teams to seek out local engagement for the people they work with throughout the Medway area.
“It is well-deserved recognition.’’