A dedicated North Wales care worker who supports people with autism and other complex needs is in the running for a major award.

Leah Davies, who works for Mental Health Care UK based in Llangwyfan, near Denbigh, has been shortlisted for an honour at the Wales Care Awards, known as the Oscars of social care.

She was nominated after her impressive work as the Registered Manager of Elm, which is an eight-bedded residential home offering specialised care for people living with autism, learning disabilities and complex support needs.

Under Leah’s leadership, Elm has achieved the Autism Accreditation status from the National Autistic Society.

Leah, who leads a team of 40 staff, is a finalist in the Leading Practice in Learning Disability category,  sponsored by Home Instead.

The glittering ceremony will be taking place on Friday, October 17, at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, with the support from overall sponsors Meddyg Care.

Leah was nominated by a colleague, Michaela Vallance, who has worked closely with her throughout her time at the company, and Deputy Manager Daniel Holmes.

They said positive initiatives put in place by Leah have had a “profound impact on the lives of the residents” with improvements seen in their overall quality of life, including a reduction in challenging behaviours and increased community participation.

Leah, who lives near Corwen, shared that she felt “overwhelmed and incredibly proud” to be nominated for a Wales Care Award, describing her role as hugely satisfying.

She said, “My work means everything to me, alongside my family, it’s what matters most,”

“To have that recognised, and to see the team’s efforts acknowledged, is very special.”

Leah spoke of the transformative impact her team has had at Elm: “We’ve made significant changes in the lives of our residents. It’s genuinely moving to witness.”

She explained that the residents have a diagnosis of autism, learning disabilities, and complex needs

“No two days are the same. It’s a demanding role, and yes, it can be tough, but it’s also good fun. The residents are wonderful to be around.”

“The sense of satisfaction this work brings is phenomenal,” she added. “Our biggest goal is to support residents in reconnecting with community life, to help them feel part of it again.”

“A lot of the individuals we support have faced restrictions that kept them from fully participating in community life, our work is about changing that.

“One of the most moving experiences was seeing a resident walk into a restaurant for the first time in years. That was huge for all of us.

“Some couldn’t go into a barber’s before, now they can. One person couldn’t tolerate anyone else living in the home, and today he’s sharing the space with seven other residents. That kind of progress doesn’t happen overnight. It’s the result of consistent, compassionate work and dedication.

“What we’ve achieved together is phenomenal. Our ultimate goal is to help residents reconnect with their communities and live fulfilling lives, whatever that looks like for them. For some, that might mean lifelong staff support in a less restrictive setting.

“Even the smallest steps, ones that might seem minor to others, are monumental for our residents. They’ve accomplished things that many thought were impossible, and we couldn’t be prouder.”

Leah made special mention of the support of her team.

“I feel incredibly privileged to be nominated for this award,” she said. “But I know I wouldn’t be here without the unwavering support of my team, especially my Deputy Manager, Daniel Holmes.”

She praised the dedication and spirit of her team, “The commitment they show is outstanding. We’re lucky to have such a strong, compassionate group of staff.”

“They’re here because they genuinely care. They want the best for our residents, and that shows in everything they do. They’re not just clocking in, they’re building relationships, making a difference, and improving lives.”

Leah added, “To be honest, my team makes my job easier. Their dedication shine through every day.

Michaela Vallance said Leah goes “above and beyond” in her care and support of the residents at the home, and leads her team with an incredible determination and dedication.

She said: “Her enthusiasm for the role and general care of her residents to help them have a quality of life that they haven’t had in such a long time is second to none.

“Leah and her team have had a significant impact on the lives of the residents through their hard work and dedication and Leah goes above and beyond every time.

“Residents who couldn’t communicate, or chose not to communicate, she has got them communicating with people, trusting people.

“Leah won’t sit there and tell you about her achievements, which is why we are doing it for her by nominating her for a Wales Care Award.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Care Forum Wales has been working tirelessly for more than 30 years to promote the social care sector.

“We established the Wales Care Awards to show our appreciation to the workforce and the wider sector for the remarkable and vitally important contribution everybody makes, day in day out.

“The event underlines the importance of the social care sector. It is the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.

“Our mission is to be the voice of social care in Wales to advocate on the sector’s behalf, holding truth to power in order to secure a fair deal to recognise the dedication of our frontline heroes and heroines across our nation.

“If you don’t value the people who do the caring, you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.

“Every single one of our finalists is a winner and will be presented with a gold, silver or bronze award.”