A caring Cardiff woman who made sure her colleagues’ wedding was shared with care home residents has been honoured at a national awards night.
Big-hearted Marisa Parry, who works at Glain House Care Home, arranged for the wedding of her co-workers, Abhi and Reshmi to be broadcast on a big screen so residents could celebrate to.
The touching gesture earned Maria the Bronze Award for Excellence in Mental Health and Well being at the prestigious Wales Care Awards held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel.
The event, supported by headline sponsor Meddyg Care, was organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector.
Judges heard how the screening not only brought joy to residents but also created a powerful sense of community , as Marisa transformed the home into a hub of culture, colour and connection.
Marisa said: “Abhi is a senior at Glain House and was joined by his then girlfriend Reshmi who is a care assistant. We get on so well and I think the world of them.
“There was an open invite to join them at their wedding last year and staff and residents watched it on the big screen and it was as if we were there. Beforehand we made some Indian-style floral decorations and ate some Indian snacks.
“I love my work and love making people happy and this was just one of those lovely occasions.”
Marisa’s passion for Health and Social Care began over 20 years ago when she was given the opportunity to run Adamsdown Day Centre.
At the centre Marisa created a safe, stimulating, and welcoming environment for older adults in the community.
She not only oversaw daily operations but also introduced innovative initiatives to enhance wellbeing.
These included providing nutritious, home-cooked meals on-site and organising enriching trips to Torquay, Blackpool and France.
In 2013, when the centre faced closure due to council funding cuts, Marisa fought tirelessly to keep it open.
Her determination led to Adamsdown Day Centre being shortlisted for a £50,000 cash boost from The People’s Millions, a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV and went on to win this.
Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and the eventual depletion of funds in 2021, Marisa remained committed to making a difference.
She moved into her role as Lead Wellbeing Coordinator at Glain House Care Home five years ago and began implementing transformative ideas to enrich the lives of residents.
“We do tailor made activities in the care home and organise things such as resident led activities, empowering individuals to share their interests, talents, hobbies, skills and traditions with others.
“Arm chair travels were residents explore different cultures, it’s like being on holiday.
“We do regular trips to restaurants and pubs for the residents and at one time we had 30 residents enjoy a meal out, and they all had a great time!”
“I’ll go shopping for the residents, getting their toiletries and things and I also make sure my mum, Angela, is OK. She’s 80 years old but still very active in the church and other charities,” added Marisa.”
Glain House Registered manager Chris Adamowicz, who nominated Marisa for the award, said: “Her innovative and person-centred approach has redefined wellbeing within the home, ensuring that every individual experience joy, purpose, and engagement.
“Marisa’s unwavering dedication to mental health and wellbeing is truly extraordinary. Her ability to create meaningful experiences, advocate for the most vulnerable, and inspire those around her makes her an exceptional candidate for this award.”
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of the 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.”
