The Care Employer Award
Winner: Craig and Bethan – My Choice Healthcare
It was a pleasure meeting Bethan and Craig. They each bring unique skills that complement one another, creating a dynamic partnership. Their ability to work together seamlessly is evident, with each contributing their strengths to ensure success. Their collaboration truly enhances the work they do together.
Highly commended: Right at Home Cardiff and Newport – Holly and Jo
Holly and Jo shared numerous inspiring stories about the positive impact they have on their staff. Their dedication to supporting and uplifting their team is evident in every story, showcasing how they foster a nurturing environment that empowers staff and encourages growth, collaboration, and a strong sense of community.
The Care Home Worker Award
Winner: Olalekan Babalola, Iris Care Group Oceans Community Services
The judges were impressed by Olalekan’s commitment to continuous self-improvement and commitment to learning how to understand each of the individual service users. Olalekan showed a clear comprehension of the need for training and how the new skills could be implemented in his own practice.
Highly commended: Sophie Davey, React
The judges loved Sophie’s proactive nature in supporting the service users in accessing new activities and developing small ideas into goals. Her investment in the service users was clear through her engagement in training and furthering her understanding of their needs.
The Home Care Worker Award
Winner: “Susan Collins – Living at Home Swansea
This person went above and beyond in her session. She is an asset to the sector and her organisation. Her compassion, caring nature and overall commitment to the sector was apparent throughout the session. She is a strong example of a great home care worker.
Highly commended: “Mark Burt – Llesiant Delta Wellbeing
This person has a clearly empathetic nature. He is very compassionate and cares about his role as a first responder. He evidenced an approach of treating all persons who use his service with respect, whether they be one time users of his services or frequent flyers, from all walks of life. He enjoys the complete process from supporting through lifeline to being on the front line and aiding people to hospital, supporting his colleagues in the Welsh ambulance service.
The Care Newcomer Award
Winner: “Heledd Rees – M & D Care
The judges were so impressed with how Heledd has embraced life in the care sector and very quickly, developed to a more senior role. Heledd told us that she loves her job and can’t imagine doing anything else. We hope not Heledd, you’re a credit to the industry.
Highly commended: “Keith Ashbolt – Orbis Education & Care
The judges were impressed by Keith’s modesty, thoughtfulness, and dedication to the social care industry. He has fully embraced his new career and is committed to it for the long haul. We are confident that Keith’s passion and drive will continue to make a positive impact for years to come!
The Care Home Registered Manager Award
Winner: Vincent Barton – Swanton Care and Community, Dan Y Graig
Vincent has an unbelievable career, banking to social work, Head of Care then on to the Maldives to help set up a social care system. Out of retirement he’s come back and become a registered manager and started a second career in social care. He describes himself as Nanny McPhee and is working to ensure the service don’t need him! A calm, knowledgeable and incredibly experienced manager, his journey is an interesting one and an inspirational one.
Highly commended: Aimee Holloway – Fieldbay, Ty Cwm Gwendraeth
Aimee is a force of nature! An incredibly motivated, high-energy manager who achieves excellence notwithstanding the significant level of challenge through the size of her units and the complex nature of the support they deliver. She’s achieving the impossible having a staff team of 178 with no vacancies or agency. We all need an Aimee!
The Home Care Registered Manager
Winner: Abigael Miola – Pineshield Health & Social Care Services
Abigael demonstrated outstanding, knowledge, abilities, both operational and in her caring role. Her drive for change, improvement and effectiveness was evident throughout, where she demonstrated safe, caring and effective abilities, along with promoting dignity and respect for others.
Highly commended: Louise Newman, Care Cymru – Carmarthen
Louise’s engagement style and positivity was infectious. Her enthusiasm was inspirational and empowering. she demonstrated empathy towards not only her clients, but to her staff team too. Her drive and motivation is clearly something that has developed and by no doubt continue to promote a safe and caring working environment
The Dignity in Care Award
Winner: Llesiant Delta Wellbeing Community Response Team
This team demonstrates the importance of promoting dignity within a service, always placing the service user at the heart of every decision. Their commitment to person-centred care ensures respect and consideration for individual needs. Keep up the excellent work, continuing to lead by example in delivering compassionate, respectful care.
Highly commended: Glory Umeh, M & D Care
Glory is an incredibly empathetic individual, consistently demonstrating her passion for providing the best support to the service users she works with. Her dedication and genuine care make a significant difference in their lives. Keep up the amazing work, Glory—your compassion and commitment are truly inspiring!
The Dementia Carer Award
Winner: Mandi Hill, Sandstone Care Group
Although relatively new to the profession, Mandi has demonstrated remarkable compassion and dedication to her role. Her deep empathy and eagerness to learn have quickly set her apart. She has made significant strides in her growth and has proven to be a true asset to her organization, positively impacting those around her.
Highly commended: Thushari Chathurika, Pineshield Health & Social Care Services
Though Thushari is relatively new to dementia care, her passion and dedication to providing exceptional care shine through. She is deeply committed to ensuring the well-being of her clients, consistently demonstrating compassion, friendliness, and understanding. Her positive attitude and empathy create a warm and supportive environment, making a meaningful difference in their lives.
The Ancillary Worker Award
Winner: Natalie Begley, Ivolve/Fieldbay, Heathfield Lodge
Wow, what an amazing person Natalie is! It’s clear she is cherished by everyone at her workplace. Her dedication, warmth, and support for clients leave a lasting impact. Thank you, Natalie, for your hard work and compassion. Wishing you all the best in continuing to make a difference in their lives!
Highly commended: Bethany Davies, My Choice Healthcare Limited
Bethany Davies is a hardworking and truly amazing individual. Her dedication, perseverance, and commitment shine through in everything she does. She consistently goes above and beyond, making a positive impact on everyone around her. Bethany’s passion and drive inspire those who work with her, earning admiration and respect from all who know her.
The Care Home Activity Organiser Award
Winner: Lucy Williams, Swanton Care and Community Hub
Lucy has worked extremely hard through her career and took the hub from 3-4 activities a week to a number of 90 activities per week. She engages with the community, involves professionals but also service users in decision making around the activities side of things. She is enthusiastic, her energy is contagious, she is full of ideas, and she wants to make a difference to the sector.
Highly commended: Leah Thomas, Orbis education and care, Cartref Mynydd
The Home Care Co-ordinator Award
Winner: Natasha Hirons – Pineshield Health & Social Care Services
Natasha’s enthusiasm and dedication to her role was outstanding. Talking with her was such a pleasure and she demonstrated good knowledge and skills to support her team, client and the company as a whole. She was passionate about developing and her staff team.
Highly commended: Hayley Foye – Affinity Homecare Group Ltd, Newtown
Hayley demonstrated excellent abilities to motivate and support staff using the skills she has developed over the years, whilst ensuring client care was delivered in a person-centred way. Hayley should be immensely proud of her role and work over a number of years.
The Care Home Team Award
Winner: CareTech – Bythynod and Hendre
They are clearly a strong team that values each other’s strengths and weaknesses, with the bigger picture of best supporting their young people to be confident as they go out into the world. The judges were impressed with their ability to work as a team whilst keeping the service user’s interests at heart.
Highly commended: Ty Pin Coed, M&D Care
As a household, it’s evident that they work together as a team to enhance overall well-being and personal accomplishments. The judges loved the focus ono celebrating the service user’s small achievements.
The Home Care Team Award
Winner: Leanne Jones, Lindsey Hurley from Penallta House – South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme
This passionate and unique scheme provides a wide range of community support, from live-in carers to dedicated support sessions. It has played a key role in creating and developing new qualifications, contributing to the growth of skills and resources, and making a positive impact on both individuals and communities.
Highly commended: Rhain – Cadog HomeCare
Cadog HomeCare is a dedicated and hardworking team, committed to providing exceptional care and support. Their focus on delivering high-quality services ensures clients receive personalized and compassionate assistance. With a strong sense of teamwork, Cadog HomeCare continuously strives to improve the well-being and quality of life for those they serve.
The Care Innovator Award
Winner: Erin Tomlinson-Price & James – Living at Home, Cardiff
The judges thought it was great the way you are trying to transform the way people think about social care and educate them by using innovative platforms on your website. They felt you were ambitious and working to improve the care sector as a whole. Well done
Highly commended: “Chris Evans – Pineshield Health & Social Care Services
The judges were impressed by your innovative use of free resources to enhance systems and processes within your support setting. Your ambitious and forward-thinking approach to integrating technology stood out. Your efforts reflect creativity and dedication to improvement. Well done on making such a positive impact and driving meaningful change in your work!
The Frontline Leader Award
Winner: “Alan Elmore and Hannah Clifton – Vals community and place
Alan and Hannah are working together between the school and the onsite care home to provide children with very complex needs and physically challenging behaviour with a home, education and consistent support. They support their teams through trainings, team meetings and 1:1 supervisions. They are changing the lives of the children they support and providing staff with the training and support they need to do such a challenging but rewarding role.
Highly commended: Niraj Singh – Pineshield Health
Niraj is helping new staff learn and understand Pineshield clients to provide the best support possible. He praises the staff he mentors and helps them understand the clients needs and preferences. He isn’t afraid to challenge bad practice and teach better alternative ways of doing things that are safer and have the client at the forefront. Niraj is a male carer and has worked hard to gain respect and trust of his clients. This has helped other males join the team.
The Care Assessor Award
Winner: Nicola Langdon, Right at Home Bridgend and the Vale
Nicola is exceptionally deserving of the Care Assessor/Care Planner Award for her commitment to delivering personalised care. Her thorough initial assessments, client-centred care plans, and seamless team collaboration ensure each individual’s unique needs and preferences are met. Nicola places great importance on regular reviews and continuity of staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
Highly commended: Joanne Abraham, Living at Home, Swansea
Joanne’s dedication to person-centred care ensures the highest client satisfaction. Through thorough assessments and tailored care plans, she addresses each client’s unique needs. Joanne fosters team collaboration, conducts regular reviews, and emphasises continuity of staff, building trust. Her work with MT exemplifies her commitment, significantly improving his quality of life.
The Three Rs Award
Winner: Joe Guishard & Laura French – Right at Home
Joe and Laura shared so much information about their Company and how they promote a positive approach to the Three Rs within it. They described many examples of staff initiatives, all designed to support, promote, recognise and reward their staff. They shared stories about several inspirational staff – and how the organisation has supported them to be effective in their role. The breadth of initiatives and passion with which they described these, make them a winner in this category!
Highly commended: Jo Abraham – Living At Home
Jo was inspirational during her interview – she spoke with passion about her staff and clients but equally, was so humble about what she has achieved in setting up her own Company, shortly after the main waves of COVID. It was easy to see why one of her team nominated her for this Award – she comes in at a very close second.
The Workforce Development Award
Winner: Llesiant Delta Wellbeing – Sarah Vaughan
Sarah is a driven, creative, and passionate individual dedicated to making a meaningful difference. Her commitment to providing a highly responsive service for her community reflects her innovative approach and deep care for others. Sarah’s enthusiasm and determination inspire those around her, ensuring her work leaves a lasting, positive impact.
Highly commended: M&D Care
Always evolving, changing, and growing rapidly, M&D Care is dedicated to excellence and quality. Their focus on developing comprehensive training programs for all levels of their workforce highlights their commitment to professional growth. This investment ensures a skilled, confident team capable of delivering exceptional care and fostering continuous improvement across their services.
The Putting People First Award
Winner: Natasha Davis – Orbis Educational & Care
The judges were truly impressed by Natasha’s passion, expertise, and the creativity she brings to her role as a PBS Practitioner. Her innovative approach, especially the board game she developed for post-incident debriefs, stood out as an exceptional tool. Brilliant work, Natasha—your dedication and ingenuity make a real difference!
Highly commended: Springfield Team – My Choice Healthcare
The judges appreciated the examples you provided of improving people’s lives. They were particularly impressed by your innovative approach to involving the people you support in their own recruitment process. Your passion, person-centered approach, and genuine care shone through. Well done on making such a meaningful impact in your work!
The Palliative Carer Award
Winner: Tracy Rogers, Living at Home Swansea
Tracy Rogers is a remarkable career, demonstrating unwavering commitment to dignified, respectful care, especially during end-of-life care. Volunteering for overnight shifts, her selflessness allows families to rest. With specialized palliative care training, Tracy upholds dignity, comfort, and emotional support for both clients and their families during challenging times.
Highly commended: Penny Evans, Affinity Homecare Group Ltd, Newtown
Penny Evans has made a significant impact on palliative care in North Powys. Her compassion, dedication, and ability to communicate effectively ensure clients are comfortable and receive high-quality, person-centred care. Penny works collaboratively with professionals, respecting clients’ wishes and making a positive difference in their final days.
The Social Care Co-Production Award
Winner: Vincent Barton
Vincent has demonstrated outstanding leadership, building a motivated team with clear, open communication and tailored support. He champions staff development, inclusivity, and high-quality care. By introducing Welsh language initiatives, he has improved communication with residents. His proactive work with the Quality Assurance team has earned 100% compliance in the latest assessment.
Highly commended: The Clinical
The judges were impressed by the organization’s commitment to improving the quality of life for individuals with complex needs. The introduction of safety pods has significantly reduced the use of physical holds and restrictive practices. Positive feedback from health, education, and social services further highlights their effectiveness and design.
The Outstanding Contribution to Social Care Award
Winner: “Linzi Smith – Val’s Place
Linzi is an amazing woman. She has done so much for the children in her care and the people who work with her. Linzi will have a lasting impact on the industry, and everyone should look at Linzi and what she has achieved.
Highly commended: “Nick Ttorfa – Orbis
Nick is an exceptional individual who prioritizes the people in his care above all else, even his own family. His dedication and willingness to go above and beyond in everything he does is truly inspiring. The care industry would benefit greatly from having more people like Nick working within it.
