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

Linda Campbell, a familiar and friendly face at Springbank Nursing Home, in Barry was shortlisted  in the Outstanding Service Award, sponsored by the Caron Group, at the Wales Care Awards, often dubbed the Oscars of social care.

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

At the presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel Linda was presented with the Bronze award.

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.

Before the awards ceremony Linda, 60, said: “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.

Linda, who describes herself as “just doing her job”, said the recognition means the world:

“You don’t do this work for awards — you do it because you care. But to know you’ve made a difference, that’s really special.”

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.”