Together WeCare Awards Celebrate Excellence Across West Glamorgan

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The inaugural Together WeCare Awards took place on Friday 13 March at Swansea’s iconic Brangwyn Hall, honouring the exceptional social care, childcare, play, and early years workforce across the West Glamorgan region. Hosted collaboratively by WeCare Wales, Neath Port Talbot Council, and Swansea Council, the event brought together professionals, partners, and community leaders to celebrate outstanding achievements and best practice across the sector.

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The ceremony was hosted by Swansea’s own Christian Patterson, the acclaimed TV, film, and stage actor, as well as an award‑winning writer and director. Guests were welcomed with a moving performance from the Musical Memories Choir, a West Glamorgan‑based group created to support people living with dementia and their carers through the joy of singing and shared connection.

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Organisers extended their thanks to all who contributed to making the event possible, including sponsors whose support played a vital role in bringing the Together WeCare Awards to life.

 

Leadership Reflections

Swansea Council Leader Rob Stewart said: "It was a privilege to attend the inaugural awards and I'd again offer my personal congratulations to all the nominees and winners.

The event celebrated the exceptional dedication, compassion and professionalism shown every day by the social care, childcare, play, and early years workforce across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, highlighting individuals and teams who go above and beyond to support residents and families across our communities."

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Councillor Steve Hunt, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said: ''The Together WeCare Awards have been a reminder of the extraordinary people at the heart of our communities. I was especially impressed by the opening performance from the Musical Memories Dementia Choir, whose contribution set a moving and uplifting tone for the evening.

Every story shared on the night highlighted the commitment shown every day by our social care, childcare, play and early years workforce.

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While it was right to celebrate those recognised as winners, everyone nominated and the many others working behind the scenes also deserve our thanks. From frontline carers and support workers to managers, volunteers and new entrants to the profession, their work is truly inspiring.I would like to thank our partners, sponsors and colleagues who helped make the inaugural Together WeCare Awards such a success. Most of all, I want to thank this remarkable workforce for everything they do.''

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Andrew Bell, Head of WeCare Wales, also expressed his appreciation for the passion, talent, and professionalism demonstrated across the workforce, recognising the vital role these sectors play in supporting communities throughout West Glamorgan.

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Special thanks were given to the judging panel, who dedicated their time and expertise to ensuring every nomination was reviewed with fairness and integrity.

The sentiments shared throughout the evening reflected a deep sense of pride across councils, partners, and the wider sector. The awards highlighted the dedication, compassion, and daily impact of those working tirelessly to support individuals, families, and communities.

As the event concluded, organisers extended heartfelt congratulations to all nominees, winners, and highly commended entrants.

If you would like to find out more about roles in care check out

www.wecare.wales/

www.swansea.gov.uk/socialservicesjobs

www.npt.gov.uk/jobs/

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Together WeCare Awards 2026 – Winners & Highly Commended

 

Rising Sar Award

Sponsored by Skills Academy Work-based Learning Partnership

Winner(s):

• - Charlotte Evans – Sketty House Residential Home

Highly Commended:

• - Amber Thomas – Seren Fach Day Nursery

• - Ellie Jones – Seren Support

• - Yash Joshi – Heritage Healthcare

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Welsh Language Award

Sponsored by Neath Port Talbot Early Years and Flying Start Team in Partnership with Healthy Sustainable Pre-School Scheme

Winner(s):

• - Foo Seng Thean – Chinese in Wales

• - Meithrinfa Joio Day Nursery

Highly Commended:

• - Heledd Griffiths – Singleton Day Nursery Swansea

• - Pitter Patter Day Nursery Swansea

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Building Brighter Futures Award

Sponsored by Swansea Family Information Service & The Welsh Network of Health and Well-being

Winner(s):

• - Forge Fach Day Nursery

• - Munchkinos Childminding

Highly Commended:

• - Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen

• - Treforys Tiny Tots Day Nursery

 

Outstanding Care & Compassion Award

Sponsored by Norton House Hotel

Winner(s):

• - Emma Heatley – CP Care

• - Hillside Secure Children’s Home, Neath Port Talbot Council

Highly Commended:

• - Nicola & Chris Butler – Foster Carers

• - Team Dyer – Cartrefi Cymru

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Learner of the Year

Sponsored by Gower College

Winner(s):

• - Chukwunonso Nwgobo – Heritage Healthcare

Highly Commended:

• - Ann Louise Jones – National Autistic Society

• - Daniel Ring – Seren Support

• - Lowri Leyshon – Cylch Meithrin Gellionnen

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Dementia Specialist Award

Winner(s):

• - Blessing Kanda – Heritage Healthcare Swansea

Highly Commended:

• - Donna Serlis – My Choice Healthcare

• - Marie Curie Dementia Care and Respite Service & Marie Curie Dementia Companion Service

• - Musical Memories Choir

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Together for Equality Award

Sponsored by Manor Park Country Hotel

Winner(s):

• - Resolution Care Services

Highly Commended:

• - CanDo Hub Ltd

• - Faith in Families

• - Mums & Toddlers Foundation

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Care Innovator Award

Winner(s):

• - Kelly Murphy – Resolution Care Services

Highly Commended:

• - Gemma Pascoe – Lead for Residential and Community Care, Neath Port Talbot Council

• - Jenna Long – Heritage Healthcare

• - Trusting Hands Day Nursery

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Together WeCare International Employee Award

Winner(s):

• - Suliyat Bamidele – Live Well Healthcare

Highly Commended:

• - Kingsley Keke – Care Without Compromise

• - Sampath Dikwella Withanage – RSD Social Care

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Inspirational Volunteer Award

Sponsored by Llais Cymru

Winner(s):

• - Naomi Anderson – Social Services, Swansea Council

• - Rob Jenkins – Neath Port Talbot Youth Justice Service

Highly Commended:

• - Joel Davies – Mountain View Children’s Centre

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Employer Award

Winner(s):

• - Caredig Ltd

• - Treforys Tiny Tots Day Nursery

Highly Commended:

• - Athena Care Group

• - Domiciliary Support Services – Swansea Council

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Together WeCare International Employer Award

Winner(s):

• - Heritage Healthcare

• - Live Well Healthcare

Highly Commended:

• - Resolution Care Services Ltd

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Inspirational Leadership Award

Sponsored by NPTC Group of Colleges

Winner(s):

• - Jamie Evans-Locking – Community Lives Consortium

Highly Commended:

• - Beverley Williams – M&D Care

• - Emma Bailey – Codi Group

• - Jameela Kotawala – Heritage Healthcare Swansea

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Team of the Year

Winner(s):

• - Caewern Lodge – Staff Team

Highly Commended:

• - Homecare Out of Hours – Swansea Council

• - Loughor Road Staff Team – Dimensions

• - Team Dyer – Cartrefi Cymru

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Lifetime Achievement Award

Sponsored by WeCare Wales

Winner(s):

• - Jane Thornhill – Domiciliary Care, Guildhall Swansea

• - Janine Hopkins – Little Inspirations DVLA Day Nursery

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