THE BEST in the health and social care industry across Worcestershire celebrated a year of success at a glistening award ceremony.

Guests arrived at The Bank House in Bransford suited and booted to find out the winners of the annual Worcestershire Health and Social Care Awards 2024.

LIVE UPDATES: Award ceremony celebrating best in health and social care

The award ceremony was held last night (Thursday, September 19) and 13 awards were given to some of the industry's most dedicated and hard-working people.

The night's overall winner was Behind The Smile who won Outstanding Contribution to Health and Social Care and the Mental Health Award.

Behind the Smile is a Worcester-based charity formed by the parents of William Pritchard after he died by suicide aged 29.

Gaynor Pritchard, Mr Pritchard's mother and co-founder of Behind The Smile, said she is extremely emotional knowing she has won this award.

"I am shaking.

"It is such a big surprise and I tried not to think about winning.

"I feel a huge sense of achievement and appreciation for what we do.

"As you know, we set this up in memory of my son as he helped so many people."

Regional editor Stephanie Preece said: "It has been a fantastic evening and an honour to share the stories of so many who have worked tirelessly in the health and social care sector for us and our loved ones.

"Worcestershire is lucky to have so many dedicated, talented and caring staff, businesses and charities.

"Although there are only 12 winners tonight, every finalist should be immensely proud of their hard work and are still winners.

"Finally, I would like to thank our sponsors, who made tonight possible."

The charity was set up five years ago to help plug the gap in NHS provision by offering peer support and walk-and-talk groups.

It aims to support those during times of poor mental health and those bereaved by suicide.