THEY are the people who help our mothers, fathers, grandparents, aunts and uncles live in dignity in old age.

The county’s professional carers play a vital role and nominations are sought for Age UK Oxfordshire’s Dignity Every Day awards 2013.

Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the efforts of carers who work in homes, hospitals and in peoples’ homes.

Last year’s winners include Carterton’s Michelle Rogers, 30, who gives up three days a week to volunteer at The Homestead in the village.

Miss Rogers, who won the volunteer category, said: “I started volunteering at Homestead because my mum Marion works there and I love it.

“When I found out I had been nominated for the Dignity Every Day Award by Tracey Garwood, who manages the volunteers here, I was surprised but really pleased.

“I love working with older people, talking to them and helping to care for them and since then I have also started running a small coffee shop for residents at the home.”

She added: “I would recommend the awards to other people as it is great to be thanked in such a lovely way.”

Other winners included Emma Saunders, a nurse at the Churchill Hospital’s long-stay oncology ward and domiciliary carer Carole Wightman.

Age UK Oxfordshire chief executive Paul Cann said: “We have had many scandals [in care homes] and countless reports on dignity. Now is the time for action.

“There is action happening already in many places: caring, respectful support to vulnerable people by dedicated workers.

“We believe it is vital to find those wonderful practitioners and celebrate their excellent practice.”

Judges will select winners from the following categories: l An employee giving care to older people in their own home, in a care home, or in hospital.

l A care home, ward or acute unit that has exemplified good practice across its whole service.

l A senior manager who has shown leadership in taking forward the cared-for person’s dignity as a strategic issue.

l A volunteer giving care to older people either in a care home or in hospital.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, September 13. The awards ceremony is at Oxford’s Randolph Hotel on Friday, November 8.

s For information and to make a nomination, call Rachelle Kennedy on 01235 849409 or email rachellekennedy@ageukoxfordshire.org.uk. You can also make a nomination via www.ageuk.org.uk/oxfordshire