Carl Wins UK Care Assistant of the Year

We're delighted to announce that our very own Carl Yee-Lim has been crowned UK Care Assistant of the Year at the national Bluebird Care awards!

Carl, who is a Community Team Lead in our Winchester, Eastleigh & Romsey office, was put forward to the national Bluebird Care awards after he won our office's internal Care Assistant of the Year award. 

Carl is described by his colleagues as "the epitome of compassion."

Having then been nominated for the national award, Carl was chosen from thousands of Care Assistants across the UK network of Bluebird Care offices to win the top award.

Carl is a war hero who swapped the battlefield for the frontline of social care after sustaining serious injuries as a gunner for the British Army in Iraq.

Carl is also breaking down the barriers of men working in social care. Men currently make up just 15% of the frontline workforce in home care, and can even be met with suspicion by the communities that they support. Despite this, Carl’s dedicated, compassionate and specialist care has allowed him to overcome this and become one of our most-requested Care Assistants.

Carl was awarded the top Care Assistant of the Year prize after a judging panel of sector experts were immensely touched by his fundraising appeal for Ukraine, and the dedicated palliative care that Carl provided to a clinically vulnerable teenager, Tommy, throughout the COVID pandemic. When Tommy’s muscular dystrophy made self-isolation a necessity, Carl volunteered to move in with the teen to provide safe, sole care. The ex-soldier drew on his experiences in the line of duty to offer round-the-clock practical and emotional support to both Tommy and Tommy's parents. When Tommy eventually passed away, Carl was asked to read his eulogy.

Speaking after his award win, Carl said: “Our customers mean the absolute world to me, and it is a pleasure to support my local community in their own homes.

“I was injured myself during my time in the military, so I fully appreciate how crucial flexible and kind care is for those who need it. Not only do I hope that this wonderful award underscores my commitment to serving those in need, but I also hope it encourages others to do the same.”

Awards judge and CEO of the Homecare Association, Jane Townson, said: “Carl absolutely epitomises what it means to care, with his selflessness and willingness to go above and beyond. More than that, he is improving the lives of others, breaking down barriers and championing change in social care. This award is more than well deserved.”