Swansea care worker who made 102-year-old’s cheeky wish come true honoured with national award

Teri Edwards, 37, from Bonymaen, was recognised at the Wales Care Awards after going above and beyond for residents at Hawthorn Court in Sketty and Ocean Living in Mumbles — including arranging the surprise visit that had her care home in stitches.

The devoted mum-of-two, who has spent two decades in social care, says she’ll do “whatever it takes” to make her elderly residents smile — from organising cheeky surprises to helping them tick off their bucket-list wishes.

The 37-year-old, who became a regular visitor to residential homes in her early teens when accompanying her home care worker mum to work, says the sky is the limit when it comes to entertaining and bringing joy to her residents.

The mum-of-two, who recently made the dreams of a 102-year-old female resident, Gwyneth Griffiths, come true when she organised a surprise visit from a ‘Butler in the Buff’, has now become the toast of the social care industry after scooping a coveted bronze award in the Wales Care Awards 2025.

The awards, sponsored by Meddyg Care and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, pay tribute to the frontline heroes of social care, with all finalists guaranteed to come away with either a gold, silver or bronze prize in recognition of their achievements. 

Put forward for the Leadership and Management in Small Group or Supported Living Award, sponsored by My Choice Healthcare, Teri collected her prize at a glittering awards ceremony held at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Teri, who has worked her way up to the role of home manager in a 20-year social care career, said: “It took my breath away when I heard I’d made the final. I honestly didn’t expect it. My deputy manager has informed all the staff and they’ve all said it’s well deserved, which is lovely.

“Everything I do is for my residents. If they’re smiling, then I know my job is done. And as long as they’re happy, I’m happy.

“I just love this job, it’s so rewarding. Myself and my deputy often sit outside when our shift is finished and just watch the residents laughing and chatting in the lounges through the window. We spend more time with them than our own families because they need us and we get a great sense of fulfillment caring for them and doing everything we can for them.

“Going into a care home shouldn’t feel like life has ended. We support the residents to thrive and promote their independence rather than take it away from them. We’ll work with them to get to the goal they want to achieve. If they asked me to do 50 star jumps – and I’m not the fittest – I’d do it! There’s nothing more rewarding.”

Terri, who lives with her husband Adrian and has two sons aged 16 and four, grew up in Waun Wen, Swansea, and attended Bishop Vaughan Catholic School in Morriston.

Prior to her first job, she spent time caring for her grandmother who was bedridden to give her grandfather a break and occasionally accompanied her mum, who was also a care home manager, on her shift.

She started volunteering in care homes at the age of 15 and immediately felt her calling.  

“I used to go to work with my mum in Mumbles and would sit and chat to the residents and give them tea and biscuits,” she said.

One of her proudest achievements was introducing a wish tree with her colleagues to help make the residents’ dreams come true, which was an instant hit.

“We had a gentleman who was receiving end of life care who wanted to watch a Swans game at the Liberty Stadium so we made that happen,” she said.

“Then, we had a 102-year-old lady who wanted a stripper! We checked with her family and the regulations and booked a ‘Butler in the Buff’! She absolutely loved it and still talks about it every day. She also asks when he’s coming back!

“This should be the most enjoyable time in their lives and the next best thing to home. We need to give our best.

“I don’t do this to get recognition. If my grandparents went into a home – or even me later down the road – I wish that someone would treat me the way I treat my residents. A smile goes a long way.”

“I honestly don’t feel like I go to work.”

Teri’s colleagues say she has improved staff retention and morale within her team and plays an important role in enhancing the environment of the home, often painting and decorating.

Bethan Evans, Chief Executive Officer for My Choice Healthcare, who was among those putting her forward for the award, said: 

“I am delighted that Teri has reached the finals within the Wales Care Awards, and that her warmth, kindness and passion for supporting Older People is being recognised.

“She is a force of nature and truly is a very special lady. Her determination for always putting ‘her residents’ at the heart of everything that she does is an inspiration for all those around her. We consider ourselves very lucky that she chooses to work with us.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards once again shone a light on the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.

He said: “For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.

“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”

A special moment in the evening when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.

According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas’s long-standing support for the Wales Care Award and for social care more broadly.

“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,” said Mr Kreft.

“He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.”

#Bonymaen #CareForumWales #HawthornCourt #Mumbles #MyChoiceHealthcare #OceanLiving #Sketty #WalesCareAwards

Neath care leader’s ‘Sunday dinner’ idea brings families together – and earns him award nomination

For Rob Hayward, food has become much more than a meal – it’s a way of reconnecting people with learning disabilities to their loved ones.

Rob, who works as a peripatetic service manager with M&D Care, came up with the idea of hosting “Family Sunday Dinners” inside the service’s homes. The concept is straightforward: once a month, two families are invited to sit down with their loved ones for a traditional roast, prepared by chefs and served in a homely dining room.

For many of the people supported by M&D Care, this was something they had never experienced before. Complex needs and behaviours that challenge had often made shared mealtimes too difficult in the past.

“One of the mothers told me it was the first time she had ever sat down and had a meal with her child,” Rob said. “That really brought home how important this was. We just wanted to create a safe, welcoming space where families could share those moments together.”

Transforming family life By applying Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) principles, Rob and his colleagues worked to reduce the triggers that had previously made mealtimes stressful. Structured routines, sensory adjustments and tailored support strategies helped people feel comfortable and in control.

The result has been described as “life‑changing.”

Abbi‑Lee Bevan, M&D Care’s business development director, who nominated Rob for the award, said:

“For the first time, families were able to sit down together and enjoy a meal with their loved ones in a homely, welcoming environment. What was once considered ‘too risky’ became a cherished tradition, strengthening family bonds and creating a true sense of belonging.”

A career built on care Rob has worked in social care for 18 years, starting as a PBS practitioner before moving into management. In his current role, he supports specialist homes across Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

He admits he was “shocked” to be nominated in the Leading Practice in Learning Disability category at this year’s Wales Care Awards, but says the recognition is a privilege.

“I absolutely love what I do and feel I’ve found a career for life,” he said. “I’m passionate about making a difference, and I’m lucky to work with colleagues who share that same drive.”

Celebrating the sector The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, will take place at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday 17 October.

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the awards were about recognising the dedication of frontline staff:

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner. The event underlines the importance of the social care sector – it is the glue that binds our communities together.”

Rob’s Family Sunday Dinners may have started as a simple idea, but for the families who now gather around the table, it has created memories they thought they might never have.

Rob joins a growing list of inspirational local finalists we’ve featured this year, including a Port Talbot care home worker described as a ‘social care Oscar’ newcomer, a Swansea grandfather who turned redundancy into a new career in care, a Pontardawe cook who brought tears of joy with her catering success, and a Swansea care worker whose creativity has made residents’ dreams come true.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Port Talbot care home worker shortlisted for ‘social care Oscars’
Selomy Dampies recognised for her innovative work at Llys y Seren Care Home.

Swansea grandfather who turned redundancy into opportunity is toasting national awards glory
Leslie Whelan’s inspiring career change earns him a national nomination.

Tears of joy as care home cook June serves up success
June Tong’s passion for food and residents’ happiness wins her recognition.

Award glory beckons for outgoing care worker
Swansea’s Teri Edwards shortlisted for her leadership and creativity in care.

#Care #careAwards #CareForumWales #FamilySundayDinners #LearningDisability #MDCare #Neath #PositiveBehaviourSupport #WalesCareAwards

Port Talbot care home worker shortlisted for ‘social care Oscars’

Selomy Dampies, Engagement and Enablement Coordinator at Llys y Seren Care Home, has been named a finalist in the Exceptional Newcomer category at this year’s awards – often described as the “social care Oscars”.

The mother‑of‑three relocated to Wales from Reading in 2024 when her husband took up a new job. Initially joining Llys y Seren as a care worker, Selomy’s passion for empowering residents quickly saw her promoted to her current role with Pobl Group, Wales’ largest provider of housing, care and support.

Since then, she has introduced a string of new initiatives, including a buddy scheme to link residents with little family contact, a sewing room, regular exercise routines, and fundraising that has brought in £4,000 for a new sensory room. She has also made sure residents can enjoy their favourite pastimes, from gardening and baking to trips to the nearby beach.

Selomy said:

“I totally love my job; caring for others comes naturally to me. It doesn’t feel like work because it is so rewarding. Making people feel at home and bringing joy to their lives is what matters most. Being nominated for an award has made me very proud.”

Her efforts have been praised by colleagues and residents alike. Tony Hart, Assistant Director of Pobl Care and Support, who nominated her, said:

“Selomy has been outstanding in what she has achieved in such a short space of time. Residents absolutely love the activities and opportunities she has brought to the home, as well as her infectious energy and positivity.”

The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, celebrate excellence across the sector. Chair Mario Kreft MBE said the event highlights the vital role of social care:

“The sector is the glue that binds our communities together. Every single one of our finalists is a winner.”

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, will take place at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.

Selomy follows in the footsteps of other local finalists, including a Swansea grandfather we recently featured who turned redundancy into opportunity and is also in the running for a national award read his story here.

#awards #CareForumWales #careHome #LlysYSeren #Pobl #PortTalbot #WalesCareAwards

Swansea grandfather who turned redundancy into opportunity is toasting national awards glory

Leslie Wheelan, 68, from Morriston, had spent most of his adult life working in cosmetics factories before being made redundant in his early 50s. With a mortgage to pay and two teenage daughters at home, he decided to take a leap of faith and applied for a job with Swansea‑based M&D Care.

To his surprise, he discovered his true calling.

Now a senior support worker at a Supported Living Service in Crown Street, Morriston, Leslie helps adults with learning disabilities and mental health needs to fulfil their goals and regain independence. His dedication has seen him shortlisted for the Care Practitioner in Small Group or Supported Living Award, sponsored by Cartref Ni, at this year’s Wales Care Awards.

The awards, organised by Care Forum Wales and sponsored overall by Meddyg Care, celebrate the frontline heroes of social care. All finalists are guaranteed to receive either a gold, silver or bronze award at the ceremony, which takes place at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.

Leslie, a grandfather of eight, said he was “over the moon” to be nominated.

“I was quite taken aback when I found out – it’s not often you get to be nominated for a national award. My manager put me forward, she pushes us to be the best we can be and is an inspiration. We all work as a team, and it’s a team effort. I’m elated.”

After leaving school in Birchgrove, Leslie worked in factories for decades and had never considered a career in care. But redundancy forced him to rethink.

“It was a very daunting experience. My daughters were in their teens, I had a mortgage, and everything runs through your mind at 100 miles per hour. It wasn’t a nice time.

I took a year out and then spotted a job with M&D Care in the local paper. I was nervous at first, but once I started I realised I’d been doing it my whole life. As the eldest of seven, I was dressing my brothers and sisters, getting them to school before I even got ready myself. Without realising it, I was already doing care work.”

Now semi‑retired and working two days a week, Leslie is praised by colleagues for his calmness and ability to de‑escalate challenging situations.

“It’s very rewarding. You support someone for many years and then see them move on to independent living – that’s the greatest reward you could get. I’ve never won anything in my life, so just to be at the final is a privilege. The social care sector is very underrated and doesn’t get enough credit. It can be just as skilled and demanding as any other profession.”

Sian Henley‑Davies, M&D Care’s Marketing Coordinator, said:

“We are incredibly proud that three of our outstanding colleagues – Deborah Deru, Rob Hayward, and Les Whelan – have been named as finalists in this year’s Wales Care Awards. Their passion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the people we support make a real difference every single day.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, added:

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award. The Wales Care Awards underline the importance of the social care sector – it is the glue that binds our communities together.”

#Birchgrove #Care #careAwards #CareForumWales #MDCare #Morriston #redundancy #supportedLiving

Tears of joy as care home cook June serves up success

When June Tong took voluntary redundancy from her admin job during the pandemic, she thought she’d enjoy a slower pace of life. But just months into retirement, she was restless.

“My house was immaculate, my garden spotless — I had to find something else to do,” she laughed.

A part‑time kitchen assistant role at Dan Y Bryn care home in Pontardawe seemed like the perfect fit. Within weeks, she’d swapped jobs with a colleague and found herself running the kitchen.

Cooking from the heart

June, 61, trained in catering as a teenager but spent most of her working life in offices. Now, she’s one of three national finalists for the Excellence in Catering Award at the Wales Care Awards, which celebrate outstanding work in the care sector.

She’s known for going the extra mile — from themed takeaway nights served in newspaper or silver cartons, to a birthday cake iced in braille for a resident who is blind.

“I do all this because I enjoy making people happy,” she said. “To see the residents smiling is what I’m here to do — but to know people are noticing, that’s what makes this so special.”

More than a job

June still works her 24 contracted hours, but often comes in on her days off to help with arts, crafts and gardening.

“We must remember this is the residents’ home, and it’s our job to make it feel like their own,” she said. “Even if I just make one person happier, then I know I’ve done my best.”

Her colleagues say she’s a “winner in our eyes” whatever happens at the awards ceremony in Cardiff on Friday 17 October.

Janine Marouf, General Manager at Dan Y Bryn, said: “June goes above and beyond daily, putting love and care into the food she provides, and coming in out of hours to carry out activities and decorate the home for special events.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Every single one of our finalists is a winner. The Wales Care Awards recognise the remarkable and vitally important contribution people like June make every day.”

#awards #CareForumWales #careHome #DanYBrynCareHome #ExcellenceInCateringAward #featured #Pontardawe #WalesCareAwards