Championing Social Care has announced the eight finalists of its flagship programme Care Sector’s Got Talent!

Eight gifted care professionals and residents from care homes across the UK will perform at the Care Sector’s Got Talent! grand finale on 20 April at Derby Arena.

Helena Maskell, Frances Gray, Kayleigh Morgan and Craig Smith have been recognised for their exceptional singing, while Paul Bekamba and Robert Speker have been shortlisted for their extraordinary piano playing and singing abilities. Dost, Mahesh, Dhiya, and Angeca will show off their electrifying dancing skills, and Michael Gallagher and Charlene Reeves will be singing a powerful duet.

Care Sector’s Got Talent, first established in 2021, is a showcase of diverse talent from across the care sector. It aims to support the mental health of people in the world of care, by giving care staff and those who receive care the opportunity to showcase their talent.

The grand finale will be hosted by Angela Boxall, chair of Care Sector’s Got Talent and chief executive of Majesticare Care Homes. “It is a huge honour to celebrate the amazing talents within the care sector,” she said. “We are part of a very special sector filled with talented and gifted people, we are so excited for this year’s grand finale!”

Boxall will be joined by Dan Blake, co-founder of Florence, and Mark Topps and Adam Parnell, founders of The Caring View. Judges include Hilary Woodhead, NAPA executive director, Sanjay Dhrona, managing director of The Close Care Home, Rob Martin, managing director of care services, Anchor, and Sarah Hyman, chief operating officer, Caring Times.

The finals will be live streamed and care homes can also download a fun activity pack. The winner will be awarded an Amazon Alexa Echo 5 and a £500 Love2Shop Voucher, and will be invited to perform at the Care Sector Fundraising Ball on 30 September 2023.

Niharika Noakes, director of Championing Social Care, said: “We all know the social care sector is full of hidden talents but it is outstanding to know that all of the UK will get to witness the magical performances of these incredible performers and entertainers. We are so excited to see them perform at the final and wish all the contestants the very best of luck!”

Finalist Craig Smith said: “This is the best news for me and my family to have been chosen to take part as a finalist – I always sing for my care home residents and family and now I will get to perform my Elvis Presley songs for all of the UK.”

Finalists Dost, Mahesh, Dhiya, and Angeca said: “We feel grateful to be a part of such a big event. Being a finalist in such a prestigious event has given us so much joy and happiness that we get to share our culture with so many in the UK. We wish good luck to all the finalists and look forward to having fun at the finals!”

The event is sponsored by Florence, Marr Procurement, Person Centred Software and EF-Group, with support from Hire Frequencies, Caring Times and The Caring View.