A Cardiff woman who spends her life giving priority to other people in times of need found herself centre stage for once.
Rachel Holland was among the recipients of this year’s Wales Care Awards, known as the social care Oscars which organised each year by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work in the care sector.
The glittering ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, was held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
Rachel, 44, from St Mellons, won the gold award in the category for Leadership and Management in Supported Living, sponsored by Cartref Ni and Hoop Recruitment.
“It was a wonderful evening, much more glamorous than I had expected,” she said.
She was accompanied by her husband Fais ((repeat: Fais)) and colleagues from Dimensions Cymru, for whom she is a Locality Manager. The organisation supports people with learning difficulties, and Rachel’s work covers much of Cardiff East.
Her experience of palliative care within her own family stood her in good stead as it helped put her in line for the prestigious award.
By using her personal experience Rachel Holland has ensured that numerous people in the Cardiff area have had the end-of-life care they and their families wish, which usually means being at home.
After working in her mother’s cafe she was persuaded by a friend to work at a local care home providing end-of-life palliative care, and despite some reservations took to the role immediately.
In 2016 her sister persuaded her to join Dimensions as a support worker and according to Michelle Debbabi, Dimensions’ Operations Manager, who nominated her for the award: “Rachel took so much from the experience, and her commitment to those she supported, and their families, was evident.
“It’s a role which she was made for and she is very skilled and passionate about all that she does.”
As an example of Rachel’s care and diligence Michelle cited the case of a woman with Down’s Syndrome who lived in a single room but who, thanks to Rachel’s leadership, was enabled to enjoy life.
When it became necessary for the woman to enter alternative accommodation the transition went smoothly and Dimensions continued to support her.
Rachel derives great satisfaction from providing the best possible care for people at the end of their lives.
“I really wasn’t too sure about it to start,” she said. “ I had cared for members of my family but wasn’t sure if I could do the same for strangers,” she said. “It’s all about making sure that they have the best possible, dignified passing.”
The presentation evening provided an opportunity for her to meet others working in the same field throughout Wales and to compare experiences.
“It was a really lovely occasion,” she said.
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.”