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WWHSC award logo 2026 Eng

It is an honor to showcase the amazing nominations received for this year’s awards. From small acts of kindness to major local projects, the passion shown across West Wales is truly inspiring. These contributions are what make our community so special.

At the 2026 Awards, we believe that being nominated is an achievement in itself. Behind every name on this page is a neighbour, a colleague, or a friend who noticed someone going the extra mile.

We’ve compiled and summarised these nominations so that every nominee can see the impact they’ve had. 

To our nominees: Thank you for everything you do for West Wales. This page is a tribute to you.

 

Table of Contents

Volunteer of the Year

Awarded to:

Roy Davies

nominated by Sharen Davies

Since 2015, Roy Davies has been a cornerstone of Dolen Teifi, contributing an astounding 14,000 hours of service. Volunteering five days, Roy is a lifeline for rural communities.

By driving vulnerable residents to vital medical appointments, he does more than provide transport—his calm, friendly presence reduces isolation and restores independence. Alongside his wife, Gwen, Roy’s quiet dedication ensures these essential services run reliably. He is a true champion for his neighbours, turning simple journeys into meaningful moments of support.

Shortlisted:

Mike Dunnage

Mike is a true champion for unpaid carers across West Wales. Since joining the Regional Partnership Board, he has used his own life experiences to ensure their voices are always heard and never forgotten.

He is known for his dedication—he doesn’t just point out problems; he finds practical ways to fix them. Even when the work is difficult, Mike stays focused on making the system better for the next person. He has turned his personal journey into a powerful tool for change, ensuring our community gets the support it deserves.

Shortlisted:

Rory Westhoff

nominated by Antonia Jones

Rory is a champion for inclusion across West Wales. By volunteering with Mencap Cymru, the National Botanic Garden, and the John Burns Foundation, he proves that a learning disability is no barrier to success.

Through his weekly vlogs, Rory uses his lived experience to inspire others, raising awareness and reducing stigma with every post. He was also instrumental in launching a social enterprise, working on everything from apple harvesting to pitching products. Rory’s courage and positive attitude empower others to believe in themselves and engage fully in community life

Shortlisted: 

Robert Ramsaha-Southall

nominated by Joanne Hobson

Robert is a shining star and a true champion for RNID across Carmarthenshire. By sharing his personal journey with hearing loss, he provides a powerful, relatable voice that encourages others to seek support.
From delivering community talks to providing expert hearing aid maintenance, Robert’s dedication reduces the isolation and health risks associated with hearing loss. His proactive approach is life-changing; thanks to his encouragement, nearly 90% of those he meets take the next step toward professional care. Robert’s warmth and enthusiasm make him an essential lifeline for our rural communities

Shortlisted: 

Lynne Wells 

nominated by Karen Thomas

Lynne is a cherished presence on the Cilgerran Children’s Ward. Through her gentle and consistent volunteer work, she creates a sanctuary for young patients and their families during stressful hospital stays.

Whether she is comforting a child through play or offering a much-needed cup of tea and a listening ear to an anxious parent, Lynne’s impact is profound. She doesn’t just support families; she lifts staff morale with her positive attitude and unwavering kindness. Lynne has a natural gift for putting people at ease, making the ward a warmer, more hopeful place for everyone.

Shortlisted: 

Lorna and Billy Faichney

Lynne is a cherished presence on the Cilgerran Children’s Ward. Through her gentle and consistent volunteer work, she creates a sanctuary for young patients and their families during stressful hospital stays.

Whether she is comforting a child through play or offering a much-needed cup of tea and a listening ear to an anxious parent, Lynne’s impact is profound. She doesn’t just support families; she lifts staff morale with her positive attitude and unwavering kindness. Lynne has a natural gift for putting people at ease, making the ward a warmer, more hopeful place for everyone.

Outstanding Contribution (To health & social care) Award

Awarded to: 

Dorothy Howells

Nominated by: Miss Rebecca Biginton

Dot has worked in health and social care for six years, consistently showing outstanding care and dedication. She regularly goes above and beyond, providing cover at short notice to ensure people receive consistent care. Whether taking new starters under her wing or overcoming challenges with technology to complete her Level 3, Dot is truly invaluable.

Through her dedication, experience, and compassion, Dot creates a safe, supportive environment where people feel valued, staff feel supported, and high-quality care is consistently delivered.

Shortlisted: 

Skybound Therapies West Wales

 

This team specialises in supporting people with significant learning disabilities and challenging behaviours. By focusing on communication, health, and community access, their “can-do” attitude has transformed lives.

The impact is life-changing: one person who was housebound for a year now swims weekly and uses an iPad to communicate. Another young man has rediscovered his love for the outdoors. To better connect with him, the team prioritised learning Welsh to support his family’s native language.

Shortlisted: 

Lorraine Davies

Lorraine leads the Support Pathways team, transforming how families in Ceredigion access early help. In 2024–25, she oversaw over 500 referrals, achieving a 100% allocation rate. By co-designing vulnerability indicators and streamlining data-sharing with schools and police, she ensured risks were addressed sooner, preventing crises.

The impact is county-wide: wait times have reduced, and safeguarding has strengthened. Lorraine’s relentless dedication and holistic approach ensure that no child falls through the gaps.

Nominee: 

ICMDT Home first team

Lorraine leads the Support Pathways team, transforming how families in Ceredigion access early help. In 2024–25, she oversaw over 500 referrals, achieving a 100% allocation rate. By co-designing vulnerability indicators and streamlining data-sharing with schools and police, she ensured risks were addressed sooner, preventing crises.

The impact is county-wide: wait times have reduced, and safeguarding has strengthened. Lorraine’s relentless dedication and holistic approach ensure that no child falls through the gaps.

Nominee: 

Delta CONNECT

Delta CONNECT is a robust, evidence‑led preventative care model transforming how demand is managed in West Wales. Providing proactive wellbeing support, Technology Enabled Care and a 24/7 community response, it helps people remain safely at home while reducing escalation. Working across hospital and community interfaces, CONNECT enables earlier discharge and prevents avoidable admissions. Embedded in Carmarthenshire’s Home First pathways, it strengthens system resilience through early intervention, delivering significant cost avoidance while improving or maintaining wellbeing for most clients.

Nominee: 

Lorna & Billy Faichney

For over a decade, this generous couple has supported their community by providing free 2‑ and 3‑course Christmas dinners to those in need, including the sick, homeless, elderly and emergency services. They have raised thousands through initiatives like a Calendar Girls–style charity calendar for MND and a successful comedy night. They also run a day centre for older residents and are opening a free Dementia Activity and Memory Café, continually giving back and bringing people together.

Nominee: 

Nia Lewis-Oliver

The Hywel Dda UHB Community HealthPathways team, as part of the All Wales Programme, has enabled more than 300 national pathways and over 1,000 local guidance resources for primary care. Their work improves triage, strengthens collaboration, and supports consistent, evidence‑based care. With monthly usage nearing 5,000 views in West Wales, the live system reduces variation and increases confidence in referrals. Their developing evidence base uses digital tools, feedback, audits, and quantitative metrics to demonstrate improved pathway efficiency and outcomes.

Team of the Year Award

Awarded to: 

Clinical Informatics and Digital Innovation & Transformation joint team

This joint team led the clinically driven rollout of Patient Flow across Hywel Dda UHB. By blending technical expertise with clinical know-how, they worked alongside ward teams to create workflows that reduced duplication. Their on-site coaching ensured confident adoption despite winter pressures.

The impact is transformative: real-time visibility now allows staff to make quicker decisions and coordinate smoother patient journeys. By implementation with staff rather than to them, they’ve built lasting trust and innovation.

Shortlisted: 

Outpatients Team Hywel Dda Health Board

 

Nominated by Beverly Davies

In 2024, the Outpatient Services team tackled barriers for patients living with sensory loss. Using quality improvement tools and staff training—including sight loss simulations—they introduced visual aids like high-contrast yellow boards and large-print formats.

The impact is remarkable: the number of patients correctly identified and supported grew from 7 to 351. By listening to feedback and empowering patients, the team has significantly enhanced accessibility, safety, and satisfaction across all acute hospitals.

Shortlisted: 

Care and Companionship with Emma Ltd

Since 2021, Emma has built an exceptional team providing over 300 hours of weekly support, enabling safe hospital discharges and fulfilling end-of-life wishes. The teams person-centred approach ensures no one is rushed, and individuals are always valued.
The impact is felt across Pembrokeshire through outstanding professional care, charity events, and even free Sunday roasts for those living alone. The team makes a meaningful difference every day, prioritising high-quality support and true companionship for everyone they support.

Nominee: 

Lorna & Billy Faichney Helping hands independent support

Helping Hands Independent Support delivers person‑centred care that enables people to remain independent at home, improving confidence, wellbeing, and safety while reducing isolation. Families gain reassurance knowing their loved ones are supported with dignity and compassion. Their community day centre has strengthened social connections, reduced loneliness, and improved mental health, while offering vital respite for carers. Through preventative support and strong collaboration with local services, Helping Hands reduces crises and pressure on health and social care, benefitting individuals and the wider community.

 Nominee: 

Children’s Commissioning Team (Pembrokeshire)

Formed in 2023, the team has transformed support for Young People Looked After in Pembrokeshire by strengthening partnerships, closing system gaps, and creating constructive relationships with providers. Their collaborative approach has improved outcomes, expanded local placement options, and reduced unregulated placements. The team has delivered over £2.3 million in financial efficiencies and enabled more responsive, creative solutions for YPLA. Their early impact is remarkable, providing safer, more appropriate placements and better life opportunities for young people.

Nominee: 

Carers and Community Support Team (Ceredigion)

The Carers & Community Support Team has strengthened access to information and preventative services for residents and unpaid carers across Ceredigion. Through extensive outreach, digital engagement, and 435 community events, they expanded the Carers Information Service, re‑established the Carers Forum, and supported Age Friendly Ceredigion. Their initiatives— including wellbeing activities, digital inclusion, Carer Card expansion, and innovative short‑break opportunities— improved wellbeing, increased confidence, and reduced pressure on statutory services, enhancing resilience and support across the county.

Nominee: 

Holly House – Pembrokeshire

Holly House has achieved excellent ratings across all inspection themes, reflecting strong leadership that places children’s safety and wellbeing at the centre of every decision. Once a service of concern, it has undergone remarkable, sustained improvement, strengthening staff retention and outcomes for children. The short‑break service now provides a safe, welcoming, refurbished environment where children with disabilities are empowered to make choices and build independence. Families report high trust and satisfaction, praising the consistent, high‑quality care and support provided.

Nominee: 

Michelle Thomas-Luisi

Carmarthenshire’s Mental Health Well‑Being Service provides early intervention and person‑centred support for people who do not meet secondary mental health criteria. Guided by the Social Services and Well‑being (Wales) Act, the small team of social workers and assistants focuses on personal outcomes, creativity, and strong community links. Supporting around 120 people at any time, they completed over 250 assessments last year. Their strengths‑based, co‑produced approach has transformed lives, offering timely help, building resilience, and giving individuals renewed hope and stability.

Nominee: 

Lampeter Multi-Agency-Team

The Lampeter Multi‑Agency Team (MAT) is a collaborative, bottom‑up model transforming care for people with complex needs in West Wales. Bringing together professionals from health, social care, and the third sector, MAT provides a single forum for rapid, holistic decision‑making, reducing duplication and preventing unnecessary admissions. Between July 2024 and July 2025, the team managed 177 referrals and supported most individuals to remain at home, saving an estimated 4,426 bed days and improving communication, confidence, and outcomes across services.

Nominee: 

The Starting & Developing Well team

The Starting & Developing Well team is transforming children’s health and wellbeing across Hywel Dda through strategic programmes in early years, schools, and communities. They scaled the Healthy & Sustainable Pre‑School Scheme to 150+ settings, improved nutrition through Gold Snack Awards, and strengthened safeguarding with specialist training. With full secondary school engagement in the Whole School Approach and trauma‑informed training reaching community sport, they’ve trained nearly 1,300 professionals and embedded equitable, evidence‑based practice that improves confidence, wellbeing, and environments for children and young people.

Nominee: 

Nelson Trust

We are a small, all‑women team supporting vulnerable women involved in the Criminal Justice System across Dyfed‑Powys, travelling thousands of miles to ensure holistic support despite isolation and transport barriers. Despite personal challenges in 2025, our commitment never wavered, and every woman received the care she needed. We have created safe, welcoming women’s groups, reduced isolation and reoffending, supported those facing domestic abuse and addiction, and used new funding to provide wellbeing activities that build connection, confidence, and hope.

Nominee: 

3CIPA (Advocacy West Wales, Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales, Dewis CIL, Age Cymru Dyfed, Carmarthenshire People First)

3CIPA is a free, independent advocacy service commissioned across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire, uniting five specialist providers into one easy‑to‑access regional model. By creating a single point of access, 3CIPA made advocacy quicker and more consistent while maintaining local expertise and personalised support. The partnership strengthened relationships, shared best practice, and improved responses to complex cases. This collaborative approach has increased awareness, ensured citizens’ voices are heard, and delivered a responsive, compassionate service that meets regional needs.

Nominee: 

Carmarthenshire County Council In House Home Care Team

The Carmarthenshire In‑House Home Care Team provides an outstanding, citizen‑focused service, often working through extreme conditions such as snow, ice, and floods to ensure no one is left without care. Led by supportive, inspirational managers, the team receives clear direction and feels valued, listened to, and involved in service development. Despite budget pressures and challenging circumstances, staff consistently go above and beyond. Their teamwork, morale, and commitment create a high‑quality, reliable service they are truly proud of.

Nominee: 

West Wales Micro Care (Catalysts for Care)

Lee James, the first Micro Care Enterprises Catalyst appointed in 2020, has been central to developing and expanding the project across West Wales, now supported by colleagues Sue Lewis and Tracey Jones. Together, they help people establish Micro Care services and support individuals to remain at home with greater choice and control. The team now supports over 165 micro providers, 1,007 clients annually, and 3,733 weekly care hours, delivering £1.5m in savings and strengthening community‑based, person‑centred care options.

Nominee: 

We Can Project Team

The We Can Project Team provides highly personalised support for people with complex disabilities, helping them develop independence, confidence, and meaningful skills. Working with 12–15 individuals at a time, they use positive behaviour approaches to reduce challenging behaviours and progress people from intensive 1:1 support into group activities. The team teaches communication, self‑care, and community skills, transforming lives. Their work with individuals like LW—who moved from aggression and isolation to friendships, communication, and growing independence—shows the project’s remarkable impact.

Nominee: 

ICMDT Home First

The ICMDT brings Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board together as one integrated team, improving experiences and outcomes across the county. Through shared leadership, early intervention, and coordinated discharge planning, they reduce avoidable admissions, strengthen communication, and ease pressure on frontline staff. Their streamlined, person‑centred approach delivers quicker decisions, more joined‑up care, and sustainable system improvements. Recognised by Care Inspectorate Wales for excellence, the ICMDT has created a more responsive, efficient, and compassionate model of care.

Nominee: 

West Wales Shared Lives

The West Wales Shared Lives Team has transformed community care by supporting people with learning disabilities, mental health needs, and older adults to live safely in family homes rather than institutions. Over the past year, they expanded their carer network by 20%, improved training, and introduced digital systems to enhance matching and monitoring. Their compassionate, relationship‑based approach prevents admissions, provides crisis support, and fosters independence. With 92% feeling “part of the family,” the service delivers significant savings and life‑changing outcomes.

Nominee: 

Ceredigion Council Learning & Development Team

The Learning & Development Team delivers high‑quality training to the internal and third‑sector social care workforce, pioneering the use of Virtual Reality for Trauma‑Informed Practice, ACEs, Knife Crime Awareness and Social Media risks. Working with local partners, they ensured all VR content is available in Welsh and now used across youth work, parenting programmes and schools. Over 1,240 staff have completed VR‑enabled training. Behind the scenes, Llion, Rhodri and Debbie provide exceptional administrative support, enabling a responsive, innovative and impactful service.

The Rising Star Award

Awarded to: 

Amy Hubbuck

Amy is the Mental Health Lead for Hidden Strength, a pioneering app providing free nightly therapy for young people. By removing referral barriers, she ensures support is accessible within minutes. In just 18 months, the service has reached 6,000 users and saved over 150 lives.
Described by those she supports as a “lifesaver,” Amy’s relatable leadership and inclusive approach empower young people to use their lived experience to change mental health support for the better.

Shortlisted: 

Sam Hall

Sam is a powerful advocate for those living with learning disabilities and Down’s Syndrome. As Vice Chair of All Wales People First, she campaigns for change. From promoting independence via the “Assist My Life” app to hosting her own podcast, Sam constantly pushes boundaries.

A true role model, she demonstrates a creative approach to life, inspiring others through her leadership, content, and commitment to high-quality, inclusive support.

Shortlisted: 

Jenna Davies

Jenna has shown exceptional leadership in clinical education, transforming how staff care for unwell children. To improve consistent care, she developed creative teaching strategies, most notably an interactive “Escape Room” for managing Diabetic Ketoacidosis. This innovative approach required staff to apply clinical knowledge and calculations in a high-energy, problem-solving environment.
Her work has boosted staff confidence and strengthened the bond between Paediatrics and Emergency Departments, setting a new standard for interdepartmental training.

Nominee: 

Yasmin Riggs

Yas became manager of the We Can project two years ago and later took on part of the Supported Employment service. A new manager at the time, she has excelled through drive, fairness, and a genuine passion for improvement. Under her leadership, We Can has grown into a highly respected, in‑demand service, and supported employment staff are now thriving. Despite budget pressures and staffing challenges, Yas has strengthened financial processes, built positive relationships, restored stability, and helped individuals and teams grow with confidence and independence.

Nominee: 

Steffan Lemke-Elms

Steffan (Stef) is the driving force behind Pembrokeshire’s social enterprise sector, providing inspiration, guidance, and innovation through the Catalysts for Care programme. He supports hundreds of social enterprises—from wellbeing services to accessible activities—helping them grow, diversify, and deliver meaningful community impact. Known across Wales for his expertise in social value, Stef’s work regularly evidences over £3.70 return per £1 invested. Creative, energetic, and widely respected, he brings people together, sparks new ideas, and enables social enterprises to thrive.

Nominee: 

Kirsty Jenkins

Kirsty is an exceptional Senior Support Worker whose compassion, professionalism, and genuine care make her a true Rising Star. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure individuals feel valued, supported, and empowered. Her calm, person‑centred approach boosts wellbeing and confidence, while her thoughtful acts—such as ensuring a client could visit family on Christmas Day or recreating a cherished Christmas cake memory—show her deep empathy. Trusted by colleagues and clients alike, she leads by example and creates meaningful, lasting impact.

Nominee: 

Michelle Hopewell

Michelle, a Royal Navy nurse veteran and Nurse Practitioner, has transformed Ystwyth Surgery into an accredited veteran‑friendly practice. She introduced monthly veteran triage sessions, created a dedicated webpage with tailored information, and organised drop‑in events connecting veterans with mental health, legal, financial and employment support. Her work contributed to identifying 1,325 additional veterans across Hywel Dda in 2024–25. Highly visible in community events, Michelle has strengthened partnerships and ensured better, more accessible care for veterans and their families across West Wales.

Nominee: 

Helen Parry 

Helen completed one of our courses after experiencing domestic abuse and sexual violence, and its impact inspired her to volunteer and later train as a coach, travelling twice weekly from Haverfordwest to Port Talbot to qualify in 2024. Now a part‑time staff member, she has delivered two Pembrokeshire courses, recruited six volunteers, and continues to work tirelessly while holding another job. Her dedication has transformed women’s confidence and safety—described by participants as “life‑changing”—and she is now developing plans for a Women’s Hub in Pembrokeshire.

Youth Impact Award

Awarded to: 

Poppy Jenkins

Since joining the care academi in 2023, Poppy has proven to be an asset to the team. Her progression has been remarkable; she has not only fast-tracked her professional qualifications but has consistently demonstrated the capability to handle senior responsibilities. This includes independently managing staffing shortages and maintaining operational standards during challenging periods.
The shortlisting panel were impressed by her approach to her work, especially at this stage in her career. Her determination throughout her health and social care journey really shone through.
Because of this, the judges wanted to ensure her contributions were recognised.
And have made the decision to present Poppy with the Youth Impact Award.
This award recognises the influence young professionals are having on the sector. The panel felt that Poppy’s aspirations toward social care embodied the spirit of this category.
Poppy, this award recognises the high standard of care you provide. We look forward to seeing your continued success as you move toward your career in social work. Congratulations.

Creating a Legacy Award

Awarded to: 

Peter Clark

Peter has been instrumental in ensuring that people living with dementia are able to inform, influence, and shape services rather than simply receive them. His willingness to share his experience, ask challenging questions, and encourage genuine co-production has changed how professionals respond.

As a pioneer of the “A Good Life With Dementia” course and speaker at the 2025 West Wales Dementia Conference, Peter has turned “patients” into partners, proving that lived experience is the most powerful tool for change.

Shortlisted: 

Karen Davies

Nomination supported by Ellie Brick, Yasmin Riggs, Nigel Bevans, Nicole Davies & Dai Brock:

Since 2018, Karen has transformed a factory of 15 into a thriving service employing over 70 people with disabilities across diverse enterprises. Her leadership turned an ambitious vision into a national exemplar of supported employment.

A true trailblazer, Karen’s bold risks and integrity have gained UK-wide recognition. From developing the ‘South Quay’ Hub to influencing the sector through her PhD, she empowers people to be ambitious, fostering a culture where everyone feels valued.

Shortlisted: 

West Lodge Childrens Home

As Pembrokeshire’s first children’s home, West Lodge achieved “Excellent” ratings for Wellbeing and Leadership in its very first inspection. Led by Marco and Sharon, the team has created a nurturing environment where children don’t just live—they thrive.

The impact is life-changing: children feel safe, attend school, and gain independence. By exceeding regulatory standards and providing diverse activities like coasteering and horse riding, West Lodge proves that ambitious care and therapeutic support can truly transform young lives.

Inspirational Leadership Award

Awarded to: 

Chloe Davies

Chloe has transformed her service through leadership rooted in clear values and genuine care. By placing wellbeing at the heart of her work, she has created an inclusive atmosphere where teams feel safe, heard, and empowered.

The impact is clear: Chloe’s focus on staff resilience directly improves the quality of care for the people we support. Through coaching and championing person-centred values, she has turned her office into a supportive environment where everyone can lead with confidence and purpose.

Shortlisted: 

Gail Sinclair

Gail has been at the heart of the ICMDT vision from the beginning, building a team culture defined by trust and pride. Her compassion and encouragement empower her team to be their best, ensuring they feel confident and valued every day.

The impact is historic: Gail’s leadership led the team to achieve “Excellent” ratings across all three areas from Care Inspectorate Wales—a first for any service in Wales. She is the team’s anchor.

Shortlisted: 

Physical Empowerment CIC Team

Since expanding to West Wales in 2024, Physical Empowerment has built an incredible “sisterhood” where strong women lift each other up. Through four successful courses, they have recruited seven new volunteers—all former participants—who now work together on projects and support one another.

The impact is life-changing: by fostering a safe space built on honesty and kindness, they are rebuilding confidence. This “PE family” provides a vital support network, empowering women and changing lives one person at a time.

Nominee: 

Helen Morgan-Howard

Helen, Head of the Transformation Programme Office at Hywel Dda UHB, is an inspirational leader because of her empathy, fairness, openness and consistent support. She encouraged my research interests by enabling a Knowledge Exchange Forum and always communicates calmly and transparently. Under her leadership, our team is high‑performing, trusting, adaptable and supportive. Helen promotes our wellbeing, even during intense pressures and financial challenges, and consistently enables us to be the best we can be.

Nominee: 

Kathryn Lambert

Kathryn has built the Arts and Health offer in the Health Board over the past four years, creating wide‑ranging programmes from intensive care to perinatal mental health and primary care. She has formed strong partnerships across Wales and England, influencing local and national policy and embedding a Social Model of Health. Her work has benefited many patients and staff, attracted significant external funding, and led to invitations to present to Welsh Ministers and at national conferences.

Nominee: 

Emma Snell

I would like to nominate Emma Snell for the Inspirational Leadership Award. Emma is a compassionate and visionary leader who empowers neurodiverse individuals to recognise their strengths and achieve meaningful goals. She creates safe, supportive environments where wellbeing is central, enabling people to grow with confidence. Through her personalised programmes and one‑to‑one support, Emma has helped over 200 people move into meaningful employment, consistently going above and beyond to remove barriers and transform lives.

Nominee: 

Lorna Faichney

Lorna is a compassionate and inspiring leader whose kindness, empathy, and genuine care shape everything she does. She creates a safe, supportive environment where staff feel heard, valued, and never alone. Lorna stands beside her team through personal and professional challenges, offering calm reassurance and unwavering wellbeing support. Her heartfelt leadership builds trust, resilience, and purpose, inspiring staff to bring their best selves to work. Her impact is evident across the Pembrokeshire community, where she is deeply respected and admired.

Nominee: 

David Bevan and Monika Menkhaus

I would like to nominate our managers, David Bevan and Monika Menkhaus, for their outstanding leadership within the West Wales Shared Lives service. Over the past three years, they have transformed operations, streamlining referral and matching processes and reducing waiting times. Their reflective team days and clear communication have created a culture of openness and collaboration. By removing barriers and promoting person‑centred practice, they have strengthened our reputation across three counties and improved the lives of the individuals we support.

Working in Partnership Award

Awarded to: 

Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre (via PLANED)

Managed by PLANED, the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre is a community-led success story. Since opening in December 2024, it has evolved into a vibrant hub where local voices directly shape every activity.

This inclusive approach has seen attendance more than double, now supporting over 700 people every month. By hosting a diverse range of partners—from the NHS to local charities—the Centre provides a vital, free lifeline for health and wellbeing. More than just a building, it is a model of shared ownership where the community truly leads the way

Shortlisted: 

Regional Coaching Network

Regional Coaching Network: Catherine Rees (Health), Yvonne Inglis (Health) Caroline Howe (Pembrokeshire) Sian Woodruff (Carmarthenshire) and Vikki Foale (Ceredigion) Julie Watkins (Pembrokeshire)

Since June 2024, this team has transformed professional development by uniting 80 coaches into one powerful Regional Coaching Network. By pooling resources and expertise, they have created a culture of shared learning that supports staff at every level.

Their collaboration has delivered massive impact, from significant cost savings to the successful annual Coaching Festival. By making coaching accessible across organizational boundaries, they have boosted staff wellbeing and leadership skills. As one participant noted, this network doesn’t just help people meet their goals—it helps them surpass them.

Shortlisted: 

Carey Osborne and Peter Clark

What began as a board meeting conversation has transformed into a digital health solution. When Peter shared his vision for ‘Quo Vadis’—a motion-sensing device that prompts users to record their destination—Carey from LemonAid immediately turned his idea into reality.
By co-producing a prototype that acts as a digital safety net, they have now secured a £10,000 grant to continue development. This partnership has turned a personal need into a viable tool that helps people with dementia maintain their independence, with the ultimate goal of an NHS-wide rollout.

Shortlisted: 

Good Life with Dementia

A Good Life With Dementia’ is a program created and delivered by people living with dementia.
Grounded in lived experience, it responds to the real questions that follow diagnosis, identity, relationships, rights, confidence, and the future. Through genuine partnership, the course shares local knowledge, practical guidance, and a clear message: people with dementia can continue to live active, valued lives.
Participants report stronger self-advocacy, clearer knowledge of local support, and better communication with families and professionals.

Nominee: 

Tywi Taf Cluster

In partnership with PLANED, the Tywi Taf Cluster has strengthened population health by embedding person‑centred, collaborative support through the Carmarthenshire Living Well Centre. This integrated, strength‑based model improves access to wellbeing activities and community services while addressing prevention, resilience and empowerment at the heart of primary care. Since March 2025, centre engagement has risen from 200 to over 700 monthly users, demonstrating the success of the Cluster’s investment in sustainable, community‑led health improvement.

Nominee: 

Pembrokeshire Lifestyle Health and Wellbeing Programme

Working in partnership with health, public health, third‑sector organisations and Pembrokeshire Leisure, the team delivered a highly effective 2025 Lifestyle Health and Wellbeing Programme focused on the six pillars of Lifestyle Medicine. Over nine weeks, participants received education, health coaching and practical workshops, supported throughout by a Community Connector. Evaluation showed strong engagement, lasting peer support, reductions in pain, blood pressure and metabolic age, improved Boditrax scores, weight loss, and notable boosts in confidence, motivation and mental wellbeing.

Nominee: 

ICMDT Home first

As an integrated partnership between Carmarthenshire County Council and Hywel Dda University Health Board, the ICMDT delivers timely, coordinated care through shared decision‑making and seamless communication. A single electronic referral process enables allocation within 48 hours and support within 72, with a four‑hour crisis response. This approach prevents avoidable admissions, supports safe discharges, and strengthens independence. By reducing duplication and easing pressure on frontline staff, the ICMDT has created a more efficient, compassionate system—recognised nationally for excellence across all inspection areas.

Nominee: 

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales & Carmarthenshire County Council Commissioning team

Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales (CTCWW) provides essential practical and emotional support for unpaid carers, and through strengthened co‑production Carmarthenshire County Council commissioned the charity to ensure carers’ voices shaped services. Skilled facilitators created safe, respectful spaces where carers felt heard and empowered. Between April and December 2025, 71 carers enjoyed accessible hotel breaks at Caban, Pendine, 200 creative home‑delivery sessions were offered, and hundreds more accessed tailored respite opportunities—restoring wellbeing, dignity, and resilience across the caring community.

Nominee: 

Age Friendly Ceredigion Team

As part of Age Friendly Ceredigion, Health at the Hub brings health checks into community settings, reducing barriers such as travel and long waits while encouraging engagement in a relaxed environment. The co‑located model—combining body composition analysis, point‑of‑care testing and professional advice—supports early detection and timely follow‑up care. Two sessions have reached 88 residents, identifying abnormal liver scans, raised blood pressure and hearing issues. One attendee has already reversed an abnormal liver result after following professional guidance.

Nominee: 

Assist My Life

Assist My Life is a free, co‑produced accessibility app empowering disabled and marginalised communities through live, user‑tested venue data. Rooted in disability advocacy, the team listens to users and continually improves the platform, creating a transparent, collaborative model for digital development. Their national movement encourages people to map venues across Wales, reducing the postcode lottery of accessibility. Despite high development costs, the app remains free, and their engagement with ministers ensures community voices influence policy and drive inclusive change.

Citizen & Third Sector Choice Award

The winner of this category has been selected from the shortlisted nominations by the Citizen and Third Sector Engagement Board. This board, comprising over 70 community members and third sector organizations, plays a vital role in shaping the future of local services and the work of the WWRPB. The board members have chosen the winner based on their assessment of which nominee has most impactfully helped the community. Congratulation to Carey and Peter.