A Sanctuary Care home colleague whose dedication helped three residents regain the ability to walk, has been shortlisted for the National Care Awards 2026.
Emmanuel Okwo, Team Leader at Redhill Court Residential Care Home, in Kings Norton, Birmingham, has been named a finalist in the Carer of the Year category at the National Care Awards.
The recognition follows Emmanuel’s extraordinary work supporting residents, mentoring colleagues and continually enriching lives.
Since joining not-for-profit Redhill Court in 2023, he has transformed the lives of three residents who arrived at the home using wheelchairs, after being told by external medical professionals they would not be able to walk again. Emmanuel developed personalised plans for each resident, and working with them on small, achievable goals, he and his colleagues quite literally safely got them back on their feet and walking!
One resident, who lives with dementia, had found the loss of her mobility deeply frustrating. Emmanuel put a plan in place to help her gradually rebuild her strength, and she is now able to walk freely around the home.
Emmanuel said:
I feel incredibly honoured to have been shortlisted. Caring for somebody’s loved one is the greatest trust you can be given, and I always try to treat every resident with the same care and respect I would want for my own family.
Seeing residents achieve something they thought was no longer possible is very special. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team, and this recognition belongs to everyone at Redhill Court.
Joanne Sheppard, Home Manager at Redhill Court, said:
Emmanuel treats the residents as he would his own parents. He is passionate about finding out what they would like to do and working with them to achieve their goals, getting the whole team behind them.
He is a born leader and an incredible mentor and we are all very proud of him.
The winners of the National Care Awards will be announced at a ceremony in London in November.
For more about life at Redhill Court visit Redhill Court Care Home | Kings Norton Care Home
