Caridon Young Living Celebrates Staff Triumph at the WAGS Awards

The Caridon Young Living team had a brilliant night at the Women Achieving Greatness in Social Care Awards, an event created to spotlight women who are driving positive change across the sector. The CYL team on the night included Suzanne Cooper, Kryss Kamara, Dele Salami, Darryl Marshalleck, Sydney Coy, Charlie Wood, Sanchez Flanders, Rufina Lubren and Luca Halai, all there to recognise those shaping the future of social care.

The room was full of energy from the start. Joy, nerves, celebration and plenty of conversation. Suzanne was shortlisted for Care Home Business Woman of the Year, a reflection of the way she leads her service and supports the team. Although her category went to another nominee this year, her recognition on the shortlist shows the impact she continues to have on Caridon Young Living.

When Kryss’s name was read out as the winner of the Rising Star Award, our table erupted. Kryss has stepped into the deputy manager role with confidence, guiding a much larger team, supporting new colleagues and helping the home grow during a busy year. Her win meant a great deal to everyone who works with her.

Kryss's journey is remarkable, progressing from agency worker to Deputy Manager by her mid-twenties. As a care leaver herself, she brings genuine lived-experience insight that helps her connect authentically with the young people in our care. She's completed her Level 5 Diploma and is on track to become a Registered Manager, all whilst delivering the high-standard, structured care that defines our work.

Our Group CEO, Mario Carrozzo, shared his message soon after the announcement: "We're incredibly proud of both Suzanne and Kryss. Suzanne's leadership creates the foundation for our team's success, and Kryss's win shows the quality of talent we're developing at Caridon Young Living. This reflects the dedication and care our colleagues provide every day."

A small but noteworthy fact about the WAGS Awards is that they are judged by senior figures from housing, youth services and community support. Their decisions focus on impact, consistency and the ability to create positive change for young people and families. This makes the recognition especially meaningful for CYL. It places our work alongside other organisations that share our commitment to improving lives and strengthening communities.

This award is a proud achievement for CYL and a reminder of the impact that dedicated staff can have on the young people we support. We look forward to continuing our work and building on this momentum as our services expand. And congratulations to Suzanne, Kryss and CYL team!

Winners and Highly Commended of the Women Achieving Greatness In Social Care Awards 2025 – The WAGS