A Bargoed woman who helped to launch a pioneering scheme to support people suffering a mental health crisis has been honoured with a top award.
Emma Jenkins, a Mental Health Crisis Manager for the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme hosted by Caerphilly County Borough Council, was one of the recipients of this year’s Wales Care Awards.
The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to reward outstanding work in the care sector and this year’s ceremony was held at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. Sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, it was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
Shared Lives, a collaborative project funded in partnership with Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, was launched in 2019 and is the only one of its kind in Wales.
It is based on evidence that individuals experiencing a mental health crisis recover better if they feel part of the community and within a supportive family setting. It also means that some people can be discharged sooner from hospital.
Emma, 44, was nominated by the scheme’s manager Rosemary Brown and she received a silver award in the category for Leadership and Management in Supported Living, which was sponsored by Cartref Ni and Hoop Recruitment.
After gaining a degree in law and being involved in safeguarding matters within the justice system Emma switched to the social care sector and, after months of planning and discussions, was responsible for the launch of the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme.
Rosemary said Emma had grown and developed along with the scheme and was a natural leader.
“Emma is worthy of this prestigious award due to her compassion and ability to think creatively in order to deliver an outstanding service,” said Rosemary.
“Emma creates opportunities by getting the right people around the table and being open to other professional cultures in order to develop a culture of sharing ideas and using active listening and reflective practice in order to deploy innovations with the people that will use them.”
Emma is passionate about developing the service and regularly gives presentations to other local authorities across the UK and worldwide as part of the Mental Health Nursing Organisation.
There are 300 care families currently registered with the scheme who share their homes and help those in crisis within a family setting, but demand has grown since the Covid pandemic and lockdown.
“It can be challenging at times and one has to be creative, but it is extremely rewarding and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
She said she felt privileged to have been nominated for the award.
Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.
He added : “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.
“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.
“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.
”We take our hats off to them.”
