A couple who helped “timid and quiet young ladies” become confident adults are in line for a top care honour.
Deb and Simon Jenkins, from Llanharan in Rhondda Cynon Taf first opened their home to the youngsters when they became their foster parents in 2011.
Now that Zara, 28, and Brenda, 27, are adults, Deb and Simon have become their carers through the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme.
The scheme offers individuals the opportunity to be supported in carer’s homes and communities.
Deb and Simon’s inspiring support for Zara and Brenda, who both have mild learning disabilities, has seen them shortlisted for an honour in this year’s Wales Care Awards.
The couple have been put forward for the prize by Kirsty Ward, who works in the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme.
They have been nominated in the Leading Practice in Learning Disability category, sponsored by Home Instead.
The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to pay tribute to the frontline heroes of social care.
The glittering ceremony will be taking place on Friday, October 17, at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, and the overall sponsor for the awards is Meddyg Care.
Deb said the biggest compliment she and Simon receive is when friends remark about the incredible transformation Zara and Brenda have gone through from when they first walked through the couple’s door to now.
She said she and Simon, who have six children between them from previous relationships and also have 12 grandchildren, have always viewed Zara and Brenda as part of the family.
She said she and Simon, a carpenter and joiner, were deeply proud of the young women they had become.
Deb said: “They first came to us through the fostering scheme and through the Shared Lives scheme we have just carried on as family.
“Their transformation and growth as young women has been wonderful.
“Some of the greatest compliments we get are from friends who have seen the girls when they were younger and have seen how they have developed and transformed over the years.
“They do have additional needs so they do need help with some things, but they are both so much more confident, the change in them over the years has been unbelievable.
“They have learned social skills, we’ve all gone on holiday together, to Sri Lanka and Dubai and places like that.
“They come on holidays with us wherever we go, they are part of the family, they come to weddings with us.
“In fact none of our grandchildren have known life without the girls, they have been part of our family for such a long time now.
“They are coming on the night of the awards night as well, they love that sort of thing, all that dressing up, being girly with all the sparkles.
“We are just a normal family really, we are quite sporty, we do dog shows.
“I remember when they first came, they were very nervous to go out.
“I heard Brenda open the door and come back in, I think it was because it was quite noisy on the street and there were other children on the street.
“So we bought a dog then and as soon as we had this dog, she had confidence with the dog, she would go anywhere, and she’s ended up showing the dog at Crufts.
“They have additional needs but they are managing to overcome them and manage them, and so we are very proud of them for that.
“We have always tried to encourage them to fulfil everything they can and to do their best at everything.
“Brenda is in the workforce now as well, she gets up at 5.30am every morning and goes to work.
“When they haven’t worked I have always encouraged them to do voluntary work.
“Zara works in the Heart Foundation in Bridgend as a volunteer.
“I think working and doing something is so important.
“They have seen myself and Simon work and have seen how my children have brought up their own children – we are proud of them all.”
Deb, who is now retired and had worked with children with visual impairment as a braillist, said one very proud, and poignant, moment for her and Simon was when the girls asked to change their surname to Jenkins.
She said: “They wanted to have the same surname as my husband and I.
“That was very emotional, and a very proud moment.”
In paying tribute to Deb and Simon, Kirsty Ward said: “Deb and Simon welcomed two frightened young ladies into their home.
“They saw the ladies that they could become.
“Deb and Simon have provided a long-term arrangement, and the ladies have lived with them for over 14 years.
“The decision to nominate Deb and Simon came from watching them think outside the box when it came to increasing the independence of the individuals that they support.
“Deb and Simon have strong values and beliefs and work ethics, and this has been passed on.”
Kirsty said Deb and Simon had given Zara and Brenda experiences and a life that was “unimaginable” as young children.
She said: “They have gone from being neglected and uncared for to being embraced and nurtured.
“Deb and Simon have provided a loving and caring home that is warm and welcoming.
“They are incredible in their support, combining kindness, patience, and practical guidance to help them thrive.
“Their approach goes beyond simply offering help with daily tasks.
“They are deeply invested in fostering confidence, independence, and a sense of belonging.”
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 frontline 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.”
