Joey Ayris, Community Partner Tenby and Saundersfoot at Mencap Cymru and Victoria Jones, a social worker for Pembrokeshire County Council, are among the 18 care workers, projects and teams chosen as finalists for the prestigious Accolades awards.

Joey has been nominated by her colleague Charlotte Ede for her work making sure people with learning disabilities across Tenby and Saundersfoot are at the centre of community activity and decision making, so they can live happy and healthy lives.  

Children’s social worker Victoria has been nominated by her colleague Paul Regimbal for her work supporting vulnerable children and young people with disabilities and their families.  

The awards, which are organised by Social Care Wales and sponsored by top 100 UK law firm Hugh James, recognise, celebrate and share excellent practice in social care and childcare, play and early years in Wales. 

 The Accolades are open to care workers at all levels, as well as teams, projects and organisations from across the public, voluntary and independent sectors that have made a positive difference to people’s lives.  

More than 90 projects and care workers from across Wales entered or were nominated for this year’s awards. 

The finalists were chosen by a panel of judges made up of Social Care Wales Board members, representatives from partner organisations and people with experience of using care and support.  

The winners will be announced at the 2024 Accolades awards ceremony at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on Thursday, April 25.

Sue Evans, Social Care Wales’s Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted to have such a strong group of finalists that really showcase the excellent care work that’s happening all over Wales. Once again, we’ve received an exceptionally high standard of entries and the judges have had a difficult time whittling the entries down to just 18 finalists.  

“It’s no secret that the social care and early years and childcare sectors are experiencing serious difficulties due to tighter budgets, staffing issues and the cost-of-living crisis. But despite these challenges, our care workers are continuing to go above and beyond to provide excellent care and support for the people of Wales. ”