A long-serving care worker who is regarded as a role model by colleagues has had her many years of dedication acknowledged.

Michelle Debbabi, who started as a support worker and went on to become Operations Director for the Cardiff-based company Dimensions Cymru, was among the recipients of this year’s Wales Care Awards.

The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to highlight exceptional work in the care sector.

The presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, was held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Michelle, from St Mellons, received a bronze award in the category for Leadership and Management in a Small Group or Community Living. The award was sponsored by My Choice Healthcare.

Dimensions Cymru supports more than 100 people in supported living settings in South East Wales and is part of Dimensions, a not-for-profit support provider whose 7,000 staff support about 3,000 people across England and Wales.

Michelle has dedicated more than 25 years of her career to helping people with learning difficulties and autism, some with complex needs, and her leadership has left a deep mark on her colleagues and those they support.

One of Dimensions’ managers who supported her nomination described her as “one of the most supportive, selfless line managers I have had in my working career – she needs to see what an inspiration she is to others around her.”

Lisa Morgan, from Dimension Cymru’s Clinical Team, said Michelle was renowned for setting high standards and leading by example, while not afraid to challenge when she felt that care was falling short.

A mother-of-two, Michelle said she gained great satisfaction from seeing lives transformed through person-centred support, but she insisted that the credit should be shared with hr dedicated team of 12 locality managers.

“I am fortunate to work with such an incredible team who always put people first, she said. “The changes we see in people’s lives make everything worthwhile.”

Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of 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 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 occurred 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 Awards 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.”