Gold medals are hard to come by in any field but a Cardiff woman has achieved a remarkable “double”.

Like all recipients at a glittering prizewinning ceremony Lisa Morgan was warmly applauded when she took to the stage, but few among those present realized that it was the second time for her to be in the spotlight.

Five years ago Lisa, from Whitchurch, received a gold award in the annual Wales Care Awards, organized by Care Forum Wales to recognize outstanding work in the care sector. That was in the category for Promoting Fulfilled Lives.

This year’s ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, was held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel and was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

This time Lisa, from Whitchurch,  received the top honour in the category for Leadership and Management in Residential Care, sponsored by Christie and Co.

A behaviour support manager with Dimensions Cymru, she has supported adults with learning disabilities, autism and behavioural support needs for 30 years. She originally worked as a nanny and then trained as a Registered Learning Disability Nurse at Ely Hospital.

While working for the Opportunity Housing Trust she studied for a Masters degree in positive approaches to challenging behaviour at the University of Wales College of Medicine. She joined Dimensions, based in St Mellons, 17 years ago.

She currently supports 100 people across 26 supported living houses in Wales and delivers specialist training to her team.

In support of her nomination Michelle Debbabi, Dimensions’ Operation Director, cited  examples of her outstanding work and the impact applying individual support plans and positive strategies has had on people supported.

Lisa, 56, became involved with a young man called Frank who had learning disabilities and autism.  He was overweight, had obsessive behaviour that stopped him enjoying  parts of his daily life and did not like to exercise.

She spent time with him, analysed his behaviour patterns and support plans, and with his support team, community nurse and social worker, brought structure to his eating habits, activities and managed to get him to exercise in ways he found fun.

The result was that he no longer needed restrictive practices and high use of medication and, his weight has dropped and he is much happier.

“It’s massively rewarding for me to look back and see how far some people have come,” said Lisa. “To see how well they’re doing and how engaged they are with those around them and their  local communities, is everything.

“She has enriched and improved the quality of life of those she supports,” said Michelle.

Lisa said she was thrilled to have had her work acknowledged a second time and had no idea beforehand who the other nominees were.

“It was an absolutely lovely evening, and it was nice to have the opportunity to catch up with so many people,” she said.

Lisa  enjoys yoga and listening to live music, she has  recently gained her full motorbike licence and so is looking forward to joining her husband Phil in travelling further afield.

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.”