Amy Black, Senior Residential Lead at Bangor-based Oakmont Lodge, which is owned by Dunluce Healthcare, has been awarded Apprentice of the Year at the 2025 South Eastern Regional College (SERC) Awards in the Health and Social Care category.

Amy was praised for her exceptional commitment to professional development, compassionate approach to care, and her leadership in supporting both residents and staff.

Amy commented:

“It is an honour to be awarded Apprentice of the Year.

“I’m incredibly grateful to my mentors and colleagues at Dunluce Healthcare who have supported me every step of the way.

“My experience has not only developed my professional skills but also deepened my passion for delivering the highest standard of care to our residents, aligning with Dunluce Healthcare’s key values of providing person-centred care in hotel-style accommodation.

“I hope this encourages others to consider a rewarding career in health and social care, knowing how impactful the difference they can make is.”

Ryan Smith, Chief Executive at Dunluce Healthcare, added:

“We are pleased to see Amy’s dedication and hard work acknowledged at the 2025 SERC Awards.

“At Dunluce Healthcare, our people are at the heart of everything we do and Amy’s achievement is a fantastic reflection of the compassion, skill and commitment within our team.

“We’re proud to support our staff through initiatives such as the Dunluce Academy, which nurtures personal and professional growth across all levels of the organisation.

“Through this unique training initiative, we go beyond what most healthcare businesses offer, providing our team with the skills and knowledge they need to excel.

“Congratulations Amy!”