Care Awards Success for Shared Lives in Wales

The Great British Care Awards are a series of regional events across the UK described as “a celebration of excellence across the care sector. The purpose of the awards is to pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work.”

The South East Wales Shared Lives scheme won the Home Care Team Award at the Great British Care Awards 2024, which recognises the team’s hard work and their unique way of supporting people in the community. The team will now head to the Great British Care Awards National Finals, taking place in Birmingham in March 2025.

The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales and held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel, recognise outstanding contributions in the care sector. This includes residential and home care, training, innovation, and volunteer work.

Mental Health Crisis Manager Emma Jenkins, was acknowledged for her leadership in the area of mental health at South East Wales Shared Lives, funded by the Aneurin Bevan Health Board.

Also, from South East Wales Shared Lives, Shared Lives carers Michelle and Gary Jones won the Gold Award for Outstanding Service and the Spirit of Care Award, which is given to the most inspiring nominees.

Kiki and Matthew Hern’s exceptional compassion and teamwork as Shared Lives carers with South East Wales Shared Lives was also celebrated at the Wales Care Awards 2024: the couple were awarded a Silver Award for Excellence in Learning Disability & Mental Health Services.

Karen Jackson, a Shared Lives carer from Colwyn Bay received a Gold Award for Community Care, a celebration of her more than fifteen years exceptional care and support with PSS.

Huge congratulations to South East Wales scheme, including Emma Jenkins, Michelle and Gary Jones, and Kiki and Matthew Hern, and to Karen Jackson from PSS. These awards are a visible recognition of the power of Shared Lives to make a real difference to the lives of supported people.

Thanks to Emma Jenkins, Karen Jackson, Lindsey Hurley, Leanne Jones, Sharon Savory, and Gemma McNamara for their contributions to this story.