Local Hero: Look Ahead support worker shortlisted for “Carer of the Year”

Published: 13th May 2024
A Kent-based Look Ahead domestic abuse support worker has been shortlisted for a local hero award after one of her customers nominated her.

A Look Ahead staff member is in the running for 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 surprised to learn that she had been nominated and reached the finals of the awards.

Ruth said: “I was gobsmacked when the email came through to let me know. I just couldn’t believe it. It really touched my heart that someone I have supported thought about me in that way. It’s a privilege to be a finalist, and I hope to highlight the amazing work of all my colleagues across Look Ahead’s Kent-based services.”

Founded by multi-award winning estate agent Bal Heer, the Local Hero Awards highlight unsung heroes mainly across London, Birmingham, and the Black Country.

The Carer of the Year category recognises people who work in care and have provided an outstanding service in the last 12 months. The award focuses on professionals who have worked hard and gone above and beyond when caring for and supporting an individual or a group of people.

Look Ahead celebrate Ruth’s achievement of reaching the finals, and we are looking forward to hearing about the result in late August.

Her customers attest to the quality of her work, and have given her wonderful feedback in the past, saying:

  • “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: “We are immensely proud of Ruth for this outstanding achievement. That one of her customers has put her forward for this prestigious award is a reminder of all that we aspire to be here at Look Ahead. Ruth is a dedicated and valued member of our team, supporting individuals with a variety of complex needs, and her exemplary work and attitude speak for themselves. Very well done.”

Staff from Look Ahead, SEGRO and LandAid come together to mark the opening of Look Ahead's St Kilda's property.