At just 24, Katy Jones, a care and support worker at Monica Wills House, is the youngest winner in the Ceretas National Home Care Awards. Her commitment to developing her career through training particularly impressed the judges. Despite her young age, she's an extremely valued and responsible member of the team.

"Since I started here, I've had lots of help to develop my skills. I've done an NVQ level 2 and a mentoring course. This award is a fantastic. It's given me such a confidence boost."

"I think I've got on so well because I've enjoyed it. I've made lots of good friends, both with people I care for and my colleagues. It's like an extended family at Bedminster, not really like going to work at all."

Ceretas South West Home Care Worker of the Year 2008, Katy Jones.

Having started on work experience when he was only 16, now at 22, Gareth Cartledge is a full time employee, a Senior Chef, who regularly has responsibility for running the kitchen.

"I loved it from the minute I walked in," says Gareth. "Gary, the Catering and Production Manager helped me through my NVQ level 2 in just a couple of months and I've now got my level 3. I've even done a ‘Team leading award' from the Institute of Leadership and Management .I've been given lots of opportunity to develop my skills and have learnt loads from just being here in the kitchen."

"I've been really lucky because the Trust has expanded and I've progressed pretty rapidly. There's a great atmosphere here. This is definitely my perfect job."

NACC National Care Cook of the Year 2008, Gareth Cartledge.

With four years' experience in community recycling, Carrianne Freeman is the Trust's Health, Safety and Sustainability Co-ordinator, a new appointment demonstrating the Trust's commitment to evolving and delivering progressive environmental policies. She is responsible for taking forward a wide range of innovative environmental initiatives.

As someone who cycles to work every day, one of Carrianne's projects is to investigate ways of cutting carbon from work-based transport, examining ways to help us leave our cars at home and find alternative methods of travel. She's identifying how working practices can be made more sustainable through initiatives such as improved waste management, energy efficiency and staff training.

"Each small effort we make as individuals together adds up to a big change. My mission is to raise our environmental performance in line with the excellent standards we already achieve in delivering social care, through training and teamwork. It's a fantastic opportunity and everyone has been incredibly supportive in helping me establish myself quickly and effectively in this new role."

Health, Safety and Sustainability Co-ordinator, Carrianne Freeman.

For Andy Bohin, the driver of the Westbury Fields minibus, every day is about going the extra mile. His regular outings make a real difference to the quality of life for the Village residents.

"I like being out an about, not stuck in one place all the time," admits Andy, "but really what makes this job so great is the residents. There are so many real characters here. They love the outings, quite often telling me where they want to go. They are all different, so I take them shopping in three different places."

"I've been working for the Trust as a porter and driver for almost 20 years now. This job is the best. It gives me a real sense of purpose. I wouldn't want to do anything else."

Westbury Fields Driver, Andy Bohin.