The shortlistings highlight the outstanding work taking place across Cygnet Social Care services:
- Trinity House and Lodge (Community Outreach category, recognising Hartnell’s Café)
- The Fields (Tenant Co-Production category, recognising the Social Hub)
- Langdale House (Team of the Year category, following its exceptional CQC report)
Trinity House and Lodge
The Lockerbie-based service, which supports adults with learning disabilities, has been recognised for its innovative community outreach work, particularly the success of Hartnell’s Café, Cygnet’s first social enterprise in Scotland.
The Café offers real-world work experience in an inclusive environment, helping people build skills, confidence and connections within their community.
The service’s impact extends beyond employment opportunities. Regular “hub nights” bring together local people, including older residents from nearby care homes, helping to reduce social isolation and strengthen community bonds. Alongside this, bespoke education programmes have opened up new pathways for residents to develop skills and achieve their goals.
Service manager Lorraine Platt said: “Being shortlisted is a proud moment for the whole team. Hartnell’s Café is something truly special, it’s not just about work experience, it’s about creating opportunities, building confidence and connecting people with their community. We see every day the difference it makes to the people we support.”
The Fields
The Fields, based in Sheffield, has been shortlisted for its inspiring co-production project, which transformed an underused space into a vibrant Social Hub designed entirely with residents. It was the first Cygnet Social Care site to open a social hub.
Working in genuine partnership with residents and Experts by Experience, the team co-created a space that reflects individual interests and needs, from arcade machines and a nail bar to a sensory hideaway. The project has not only enhanced the environment but empowered residents to shape their home and pursue their passions.
Importantly, the initiative demonstrates how co-production can deliver meaningful, sustainable change. Residents were involved at every stage, from initial ideas through to design and delivery, ensuring the hub is fully accessible and inclusive. The project has also enabled individuals to rediscover skills and interests, including one resident who now uses the space to continue his passion for hairdressing, promoting independence, confidence and a sense of purpose.
The manager of The Fields, Anne-Marie Williams, said: “This recognition belongs to our residents. The Social Hub is a direct result of their ideas, creativity and collaboration. It shows what can happen when people are truly listened to and involved in decisions about their lives. We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.”
Langdale House
In Huddersfield, Langdale House has been shortlisted for Team of the Year following its ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Inspectors described the service as “exceptional,” praising the team’s compassion, person-centred approach and commitment to empowering residents. What sets this team apart is their ability to consistently translate values into meaningful outcomes. Residents are empowered to make real choices about their daily lives, from activities and holidays to how they personalise their homes. The CQC noted that people’s wishes were fully understood and upheld, with staff supporting positive risk-taking so individuals can enjoy new experiences and maximise independence.
Feedback from families is equally powerful. Relatives describe Langdale House as a place they “wouldn’t change for the world,” where their loved ones are “the happiest they have been.” One family shared that their relative regards Langdale as home and never wants to be anywhere else.
Manager Laura Davy said: “To be shortlisted for Team of the Year after receiving an Outstanding rating is a huge honour. Our team is dedicated to making sure every person we support feels valued, respected and truly at home. This recognition reflects the passion and commitment they show every single day.”
Winners of the Housing with Care Awards will be announced later this year.