An adventurous former geography teacher and assistant headmaster who entered the world of social care after retiring from education has been shortlisted for a top award.
Linley Jenkins has been put forward for an outstanding service trophy at the Wales Care Awards 2024, known as the Oscars of social care.
Since being recruited as a maintenance operative in 2020, Linley has made a big impression on staff and residents at Silver Crest care group’s 98 bed Cwrt Enfys residential home in the Swansea Valley village of Ystradgynlais.
His job includes doing general repairs, innovative project designs and helping with structural maintenance.
Between shifts Linley is always happy to chat with residents and entertains them with talks and slide shows about his far-flung travels.
In life, as in his work, Linley always goes the extra mile. He has climbed Earth’s fourth highest peak, Kilimanjaro, trekked Africa’s Atlas Mountains, and cycled the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in northern Spain.
His love of travel stems from his geography specialism as a teacher.
He said: “I’ve lost count of the number of school trips I led to places like Iceland, Italy, France and Spain. My wife and I have also toured Australia. We love to travel, overseas and at home.”
Linley, 62, retired from his role as assistant head at Bishop Vaughan Catholic School, Swansea when he was aged 55 after a teaching career spanning more than 35 years.
But he still wanted to contribute to his community and make use of his other love, practical handicrafts.
He said: “I was lucky to retire early and I knew I had a fairly good skills profile after years of doing odd jobs and practical work around our house and garden. I started as a maintenance assistant on a casual basis at Cwrt Enfys. Then I was offered a permanent part-time role which I love.”
Cwrt Enfys home manager Lindsey Davies nominated Linley for the outstanding service award, sponsored by the Caron Group.
Lindsey said: “Whenever you ask anyone about Linley they’ll have a smile on their face, he is just the nicest, kindest person around.
“He doesn’t need to interact with residents but he’s made it his mission to get to know them, play games with them, discover their likes and dislikes, hobbies and interests so he can strike up meaningful conversations.
“Apart from his day to day job of fixing things and making the home safe, which he does exceptionally well, Linley makes time to see residents and make them a cuppa during which time he has a quick chat with them, especially if he sees someone seated alone. It means the world to residents when he does this. They really love to hear about all his latest travels.”
He goes above and beyond in other ways too such as giving a unique, personal touch to a new library.
Lindsey said: “He sourced all the wood from people he knew and created a beautiful area so residents could be transported to the good old days when they would visit public libraries. Everyone now comments on how lovely this area is.”
Linley also led others in the maintenance team designing and building a sundial for the home’s gardens.
Lindsey said: “He is a true diamond and a lovely guy. He is funny, outgoing, creative, approachable, a great listener and a real asset to us.”
Linley and his wife Alison have two grown up daughters and have just welcomed a baby granddaughter, Erin.
His wife, also a retired teacher, is looking forward to accompanying him to the award ceremony at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 18.
Ontex Healthcare is the overall sponsor for the evening which will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
The shortlist of finalists in each category of award has been whittled down from hundreds of nominees in the social care sector across Wales. Each finalist will receive a gold, silver or bronze accolade.
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, which oversees the Wales Care Awards, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting, often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social care in Wales.
“The sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.
“If you don’t recognise those who do the caring you will never provide the high standards people require and never recognise the value of the people who need care in society.
“We must do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce which deserves to be lauded and applauded.
“It’s a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”
