A South Wales care supervisor hailed  as a ‘miracle worker’ for transforming the lives of her clients has scooped a prestigious national industry award.

Dedicated Jaylee Garner, from Rhoose, near Cardiff, was recognised with a silver award at the Wales Care Awards for her outstanding work helping people with disabilities and mobility issues live fuller, happier lives.

Jaylee, who works with Allcare (South Wales) Ltd, based in Barry, has been praised for her rare ability to “make miracles happen”.

The 29-year-old, who has worked in social care for the past 11 years, has made a marked difference to the lives of those supports, with an uncanny ability to draw out their dreams and aspirations through perceptive conversations before turning them into reality.

Those efforts have now been recognised at awards, sponsored overall by Meddyg Care and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales.

The aim is to recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector, with all finalists guaranteed to come away with either a gold, silver or bronze prize in recognition of their achievements.

Jaylee had been in the running for the Care Practitioner in Small Group or Supported Living Award, sponsored by Cartref Ni, and received her prize at a glittering awards ceremony held at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

“It’s really exciting,” she said.

“We care for young people and the elderly, people with disabilities and people with mobility issues, all in their own home. It’s lovely to see them with a smile on their face – it’s the reason I do this job. And if they’re happy in themselves then it makes caring for them much easier

“We very much work towards outcomes and so it’s my goal to go out and have conversations with people about what’s important to them and to make a difference in their lives as well as providing everyday care. We try to remove barriers that they might face.”

Jaylee originally embarked on a beauty course at Cardiff and Vale College in Barry when she first left school and was introduced to care work by a friend who was working for a care agency that was recruiting.

“It wasn’t something I’d previously thought about going in to but every day is really different,” she said.

“I think I’d get bored doing something that was too repetitive.”

Allcare employs a ‘Your Choice’ ethos throughout its services. This is an innovative style of care that is people-focused and allows individuals to live and embrace their lifestyle choices.

Jaylee’s colleagues say she ‘never gives up ‘despite the hurdles she may face and actively makes ‘miracles happen’ to facilitate her outcomes.

One example is her work with an elderly man who had suffered a stroke which had left him immobile and housebound, and feeling angry and frustrated at his lack of independence.

Jaylee set about solving practical issues at his home and sought to alleviate the social isolation he felt to improve his mental health and wellbeing. This included a well-deserved visit to the pub and lunch at the company’s community café. He has since been to the pub several times and recently watched a rugby match to cheer on his beloved Wales.

“At one stage he probably thought he would never get to do it again, it’s about opening their eyes to the opportunities and giving them the confidence to do it,” said Jaylee.

“He’s a lot calmer now. The staff enjoy taking him down the pub and having a laugh.”

Care manager Jane Davies, who put Jaylee forward for the award, said: “Her relentless perseverance, particularly on her own, has made Jaylee so deserving of this award and I am very proud as her manager to be nominating her.

“Jaylee ‘never gives up ‘despite many hurdles getting in her way and I admire this trait that she exhibits. The completion of forms /assessments, reviews are written in a way that inspires you to read more.

“I feel that Jaylee has grown/morphed into her role with an enthusiasm which is infectious to everyone around her. Jaylee is ‘there’ for everyone, working closely not only with those that we support but with the staff to facilitate her ‘outcomes’ and actively making ‘miracles’ happen.

“I hope when I grow older and maybe require care that I have someone just like Jaylee to support me to regain life skills that I have lost, to be treated with dignity, respect, kindness and understanding that Jaylee displays to achieve the most amazing outcomes.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards once again shone a light on the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.

He said: “For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.

“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”

A special moment in the evening when Mair Elis Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.

According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas’s long-standing support for the Wales Care Award and for social care more broadly.

“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,” said Mr Kreft.

“He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.”