CARERS in Islington won well-deserved recognition for their work and dedication to vulnerable adults in the borough at a “buzzing” awards ceremony this week.

Among the winners at Islington Council’s Dignity in Care Awards on Monday was Sue Beveridge, who began volunteering at Bridgeside Lodge Care Home, Angel, when her mother became a resident there.

Ms Beveridge said: “I’m not sure if anyone realises that it takes a big decision to put your relatives into a care home and finding the right care home can be quite hard.”

She ended up creating a group for relatives where they could share stories about the family members who were moving into care homes.

After setting up the relatives’ support group, she helped Bridgeside Lodge raise funds to develop its garden – that backs onto the Regent’s Canal – into a space for residents.

The centre manager at Bridgeside Lodge Fatma Makalo was also a winner for Bridgeside Lodge’s part in the Green Hearts “No” To Abuse campaign in care homes, which won the award for outstanding collaboration.

The Green Hearts campaign educates staff, relatives and residents living or working in care to recognise abuse in all its forms, from outright violence to more subtle manifestations like the way residents are given their medication or ensuring they have enough water to drink.