Bryn Terfel launches hunt for Swansea’s hidden care heroes

The search is now officially underway for the annual awards, which shine a spotlight on the remarkable staff working in care homes and home‑care services across Wales.

Among the top accolades is the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award, celebrating outstanding work bringing the arts into social care settings — something the world‑famous bass‑baritone says is close to his heart.

Call to honour the “backbone of our communities”

Sir Bryn, a long‑time supporter of the awards, is urging colleagues, managers and families to put names forward — not just for the award carrying his name, but for every category recognising excellence across the profession.

Sir Bryn Terfel said:

“Every day, social care staff go above and beyond, often without the recognition that they richly deserve. Supporting the Wales Care Awards is my way of helping to shine a light on their incredible work.

“These people are the backbone of our communities. Families rely on their compassion and skill, and it is only right that we celebrate the difference they make to people’s lives across Wales.

“I’d urge colleagues, relatives and managers to take a moment to think about someone who deserves recognition. A nomination can mean the world to those who give so much.”

Awards for frontline heroes across the sector

This year’s categories include honours for frontline care practitioners, nurses, chefs, dementia specialists and those championing fulfilled lives, alongside awards for outstanding service in the sector.

Every finalist will walk away with a gold, silver or bronze award — “a bit like the Olympics”, organisers say.

The glittering ceremony will take place at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 16.

“A chance to say thank you”

The awards were founded by Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, to recognise the “fantastic work” of frontline staff and promote excellence across the sector.

Mario Kreft said:

“The Wales Care Awards are all about saying thank you to the people who keep the social care network going. If you know somebody who consistently goes the extra mile, this is your chance to make sure they get the credit they deserve.

“Whether it’s a brilliant nurse, a dedicated chef or anybody who never fails to deliver, please put their names forward. The process is simple and the impact is huge.

“The awards night is a rare opportunity for staff to come together, share ideas and enjoy an evening that’s entirely about them. It’s a celebration of the sector at its very best.”

Nominations close on January 31, and full details of all categories can be found at walescareawards.co.uk.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Super-smart science graduate turned social care worker eyes up national awards glory
A former science student is shortlisted for top honours after switching careers to social care.

Award glory beckons for outgoing care worker
A much-loved care worker is recognised for her dedication as she reaches the national finals.

Tears of joy as care home cook June serves up success
A Swansea care home cook is overwhelmed after earning a place among Wales’ top care professionals.

Port Talbot care home worker shortlisted for ‘social care Oscars’
A dedicated care worker from Port Talbot is named among the finalists for Wales’ top care awards.

Swansea care worker who made 102-year-old’s cheeky wish come true honoured with national award
A Swansea carer is celebrated for going the extra mile to bring joy to a centenarian resident.

Swansea grandfather who turned redundancy into opportunity is toasting national awards glory
A Swansea grandfather is recognised nationally after transforming his life through a new career in care.

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

Leslie Whelan, 68, from Morriston, was left devastated when he lost his factory job in his early 50s. With a mortgage to pay and two teenage daughters at home, he faced an uncertain future. But what began as a leap of faith into a new career has now seen him crowned with a coveted Gold award at the Wales Care Awards 2025.

“It was an amazing night, one that I will never, ever forget,” said Leslie. “I didn’t even realise I’d won gold, I thought they were going in reverse order, so I thought I’d won the bronze until I got back to my table! I’ve been doing this job for years, never expecting any awards. The rewards are the people you support, that’s the ultimate for me, but I’m over the moon.”

From redundancy to resilience

Leslie had spent most of his adult life working in cosmetics factories before redundancy forced him to rethink his future.

“It was a very daunting experience,” he recalled. “We all went into the warehouse, and that’s when they told us. There was stunned silence all round when we all walked into the locker room to get our things. A lot of people had been there since their early teens. My own daughters were in their teens at the time. I had a mortgage, and everything runs through your mind at about 100 miles per hour, but you get through it. It wasn’t a nice time.”

After taking a year out, Leslie spotted a job advert in the local paper for Swansea‑based M&D Care. He applied, was offered a role, and quickly realised he had found his true calling.

“I was quite nervous about going into care work initially but once I started, I quickly realised the foundations were already there. I’d been doing it my whole life from a very early age. I’m the eldest of seven children and when my parents separated, I was dressing them, giving them breakfast and getting them to school before I even got ready myself. Without realising it, I was already doing care work.”

A new purpose

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 regain independence and return to community living.

“It’s not a physical job but mentally it can be challenging,” he said. “As long as I still have my own health, I can see myself still doing it. You become part of their family and try to give them the best advice and support as I would my own children. It’s very rewarding, you get to support someone for many years and then see them move on to independent living and that’s the greatest reward you could get.”

His colleagues praise his calmness and resilience in difficult situations, saying he has an ability to de‑escalate challenges and provide comfort.

Recognition for social care

Leslie was nominated for the Care Practitioner in Small Group or Supported Living award, sponsored by Cartref Ni, and received his Gold award at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Sian Henley‑Davies, Marketing Coordinator at M&D Care, 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:

“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.”

For Leslie, the award is a reminder of how far he has come since that difficult day nearly two decades ago.

“I think the social care sector is very underrated and the people within it don’t get enough credit. It can be just as skilled, demanding and intense as any other profession – if not more – and it’s a real shame the many good people out there are not always recognised. Each and every person in that room – even those who weren’t nominated – we’re all winners.”

#care #carePractitionerInSmallGroupOrSupportedLivingAward #mdCare #morriston #redundancy #socialCare #supportedLiving #swansea #walesCareAwards

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

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

Award glory beckons for outgoing Care Worker

Teri Edwards, from Bonymaen, Swansea, has been working as a home manager for My Choice Healthcare Ltd for two years and currently divides her time between Hawthorn Court Care Home in Sketty and Ocean Living Care Home in Mumbles, supporting elderly residents who are living with dementia.

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 come true when she organised a surprise visit from a ‘Butler in the Buff’, is now the toast of the social care industry after being announced as a finalist 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. 

Nominated for the Leadership and Management in Small Group or Supported Living Award, sponsored by My Choice Healthcare, Teri will discover her fate at a glittering awards ceremony to be held at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 17.

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, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said:

“Care Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.

“We established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable contribution everybody makes, day in day out.

“The event  underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector’s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our front line heroes and heroines across our nation.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.”

[Lead image: Mandy Jones]

#dementia #MyChoiceHealthcare #WalesCareAwards

Super smart science graduate turned social care worker eyes up national awards glory

Deborah Deru, 23, who lives in Mount Pleasant, Swansea, moved to the UK in late 2022 to pursue a master’s degree in Public Health at Swansea University after completing her degree in microbiology at the University of Georgia in the USA – two years ahead of time.

She took up a role as a support worker with M&D Care in Swansea a year later, supporting adults with complex physical and mental health needs at a supported living facility in Morriston, and quickly progressed to a Senior Support Worker.

Now the talented graduate, who originally wanted to become a doctor and was fast-tracked through school in the US because of her remarkable brainpower, is in the lineup for one of the social care industry’s most prestigious accolades – a Wales Care Award 2025.

The awards, sponsored overall by Meddyg Care and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector, with all finalists guaranteed to come away with either a gold, silver or bronze prize in recognition of their achievements. 

Deborah, who grew up in Austell, Georgia, USA, and whose father is a prominent Professor of Molecular Biology at the University of Georgia in Babcock, where she undertook her original degree, has been shortlisted for the Care Practitioner in Residential Care Award.  

She will discover her fate at a glittering awards ceremony to be held at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 17.

Deborah, who has three older brothers, said:

“I wasn’t expecting to get through to the final! I left my home in the States to study in the UK and wasn’t expecting to still be here, so it’s really rewarding for me to be seen and recognised.

“Previously, I had an internship with a non-governmental agency in Nigeria as my dad is Nigerian. That lasted six months and involved visiting people in hospital in Lagos State who were receiving treatment for various ailments. I was also in charge of the social media aspect of the agency’s work, generating public donations.

“I always had the inclination of wanting to become a doctor, but I’ve since realised that I want to do more than giving out medicine. With that internship, I noticed that while doctors have overall oversight of health, they did not see the nitty gritty of what goes on – that’s down to the people who visit these patients everyday who find ways to support them that are not medicinal.

“How we help people to communicate and live their lives happily, regardless of their diagnosis, is so important. It’s as much about what happens outside of hospital, and how we help people cope with everyday life, as it is about what goes on inside. The experiences I’ve had have made me want to do more.”

Deborah grew up in Austell, Georgia, US, where her talent for academia shone out at an early age.

“I’ve always been very good at school and went to uni at 16 which is really unusual!” she said.

“My dad is a professor in molecular biology and has written several papers. I took a lot of advanced classes, so by the time I was 16, I already had enough credits and was happy to go to uni!”

In her current role, Deborah supports 10 adults in a supported living facility in Morriston, Swansea, with a variety of challenging physical and mental health needs such as epilepsy, diabetes, autism and learning difficulties. By providing person-centred care, she helps the residents manage their conditions confidently and safely, improves their overall wellbeing and reduces further hospital visits.

“We try and promote their independence as much as we can as that’s the end goal, for them to live independently one day. That’s our biggest driver,” she said.

“As someone who struggles with their own mental health, it gives me a chance to give back. I’ve had some very traumatic experiences in my own life which help me to put myself in the shoes of residents who’ve been through traumatic experiences themselves. It gives me a chance to support them better because I understand what they’re going through.

“The one thing I’m most proud of is how all the residents know they can trust me and can come to me with information to help them manage situations that they’re dealing with. This is for me my biggest achievement.

“In the future, when I look back on my life in this instance, I will feel like I’ve made a difference, and I feel people will remember me for some of the things I’ve done for them.”

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.

“Each of them embodies our values and has had a lasting, positive impact on our organisation, their teams, and the wider community. We wish them all the very best for the awards and thank them for the exceptional contribution they make to M&D Care.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said:

“Care Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.

“We established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable contribution everybody makes, day in day out.

“The event  underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector’s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our front line heroes and heroines across our nation.

“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.”

[Lead image: Mandy Jones]

#SwanseaUniversity #WalesCareAwards