A much-loved activities coordinator who has spent more than two decades bringing joy, laughter and companionship to care home residents is in line for a top award.

Linda Campbell, a familiar and friendly face at Springbank Nursing Home, in Barry has been named as a finalist at the Wales Care Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of social care.

She has been shortlisted  in the Outstanding Service Award, sponsored by the Caron Group.

The event is being organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector.

The presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, is being held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.

From sing-alongs and story time to beach trips and birthday surprises, Linda, who began her career as a carer over 20 years ago, has made it her mission to enrich the lives of residents – not just physically, but emotionally too.

“I’m really touched,” said Linda, 60. “I never expected to be a finalist. So many people in care go above and beyond – I just try to do my bit to make the residents smile.”

Linda now works as Springbank’s Activities Coordinator, where she supports all 58 residents with everything from mobility exercises to morale-boosting events.

She is known for her boundless energy, infectious positivity – and willingness to dance and sing, badly, by her own admission, if it brings a smile to someone’s face.

“We play bingo, do quizzes, and have entertainers come in. I’ll sing and dance with the residents – I’m definitely not the best performer, but if it lifts their mood, I’ll happily make a fool of myself!”

For more reserved residents, Linda ensures quieter, personalised moments – reading stories, playing hand games, or simply offering companionship.

“Even if I don’t get much of a response, I can often see the smile. And that’s enough for me,” she added.

Springbank’s manager, Navjit Kaur, who nominated Linda, described her as “the heartbeat of the home”.

“Linda is the kind of person who doesn’t just do the job — she brings it to life. Whether she’s decorating rooms for birthdays or supporting physiotherapy exercises, her dedication, kindness, and empathy shine through every day. She is an inspiration and a vital part of our team.”

Linda’s thoughtful approach begins from the moment someone arrives at Springbank, using the “My World” booklet to understand each resident’s likes, dislikes and life story – shaping their care experience around what truly matters to them.

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 and vitally important 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 value 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.”