A Bridlington care home manager is celebrating a double awards success after being named a finalist in two prestigious care sector awards.
Sarah Kirk, Home Manager at Beechwood Care Centre, has been shortlisted for The Social Care Nurse Award at the Great British Care Awards Yorkshire & Humber regional finals and Specialist Carer of the Year (Residential) at the National Care Awards.
Originally from Driffield, Sarah has spent most of her life in East Yorkshire and has worked in care homes across East and West Yorkshire since qualifying as a nurse in 2005.
She began her career working with children before moving into nursing in her early 30s. After qualifying, Sarah chose to build her career in social care rather than the NHS, progressing through roles including nurse, Clinical Development Nurse, Clinical Deputy and Registered Manager.
Sarah has been part of Beechwood from the very beginning, helping to commission the home, recruit its team and develop links with the local community ahead of its opening.
Her award nominations included examples of the difference she has made through her nursing experience and determination to find the right care and support for each individual.
One person had previously been assessed by several care providers, but each had felt unable to meet their needs. Sarah took the time to understand the difficulties they were experiencing and worked with the Beechwood team to put the right support in place.
Over time, they made significant progress, gaining confidence and independence before eventually being able to leave the care home and live independently in the community.
Her nursing judgement has also proved important in medical emergencies. On one occasion, Sarah was concerned that a telephone assessment did not go far enough and pushed for the individual to be seen face-to-face. They were subsequently admitted to hospital, received the correct treatment and later returned safely to Beechwood.
Sarah said: “I was absolutely delighted to find out that I’d been shortlisted for two awards. Nursing and caring for people have been such a big part of my life, so to be recognised in both categories means a great deal to me.
“I’m also incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved at Beechwood. I’ve been involved with the home from day one and, while opening a new home has brought challenges along the way, I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
“For me, it’s always about seeing the person rather than their diagnosis or the challenges they may be facing, and finding the right support to help them live as independently and happily as possible. I’m very lucky to have a fantastic team around me at Beechwood, and this recognition reflects the work we all do together every day.”
Her expertise also extends to developing those around her, with Sarah regularly coaching and mentoring team members caring for people with dementia, complex mental health needs and other specialist care requirements.
The double shortlist follows further recognition for Beechwood Care Centre earlier this year at the 2026 Lottie Awards, where the home was named among the UK’s Top 100 Care Homes and recognised as one of the Top 10 Care Homes nationally for Enquiry Handling – achievements which come just over a year after the home first opened its doors.
Joanne Fogg, Managing Director of Highgate Care, said: “We’re incredibly proud of Sarah and delighted to see her expertise and commitment recognised by two major care awards.
“Kindness is key at Highgate Care, and Sarah embodies that in the way she supports residents, families and team members every day. She combines considerable nursing knowledge and experience with a genuinely person-centred approach, advocating for residents, supporting families through difficult times and sharing her expertise to help team members develop their own skills and confidence.
“These latest nominations also follow Beechwood’s recent success at the Lottie Awards. To have achieved this level of recognition just over a year since the home opened is a fantastic achievement for Sarah and the whole team at Beechwood.”
The winners of both awards will be announced on Friday 6th November.
Beechwood Care Centre is operated by Highgate Care Homes and provides residential, dementia, nursing, complex and respite care.