A former McDonalds employee who now helps vulnerable adults with mental health needs to become more independent is in the line up for a major national award.

Chloe Meyrick, from Newbridge, Gwent, has transformed the lives of several individuals since being appointed deputy manager of a 14-bed, all-male, care home in Roath, Cardiff, owned by React Support Services Ltd, in April 2022.

The 26-year-old, who worked at McDonalds while studying for a degree in health and social care management at the University of South Wales in Cardiff, says there is no better feeling than watching the people she supports overcoming obstacles to find new friends and interests, gain work and eventually live independently.

The graduate, who lives with her partner Chris Regnard and their dog Blue, and who is still in the infancy of her career, has now been shortlisted for a Wales Care Award – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the care industry.

Chloe has been shortlisted for the Supported Living or Small Group Community Living Care Practitioner Award, sponsored by Citation & All Care, and is guaranteed to come away with a bronze, silver or gold award.

Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

Chloe said: “This is completely new for me. I absolutely love my job, and everything about it. Of course, there are days when it’s difficult but the job itself is so rewarding and that’s the reason I do it. An award is a bonus!

“The best part of my job is seeing people become successful and move on to greater independence. We recently had two individuals move into our stage four housing programme, moving from a property with 24-7 staff on to a flat of their own with no staff apart from those who pop in to make sure they’re ok.

“I was honestly so proud of them both, and started crying when I told one of them! It’s moments like that that make everything worthwhile and you realise you’re doing the best you can to help people live fulfilled lives and be independent.”

Chloe supports 14 individuals with a range of complex mental health needs and learning disabilities.

She never set out to specialise in mental health but secured a first-year placement with the charity MIND during her degree and returned during her second year, which led to her securing various roles in the field after graduating.

“In my first job, I was asked to work with a gentleman who hadn’t left the house for six years,” said Chloe.

“I didn’t know what I was going to be able to do but we started off taking very small steps like taking the bins out to the end of the driveway and then walking to the shops. By the end of the two months, he was going out to a gardening club in the community!”

Alongside recently helping an individual to apply for a maintenance job at McDonalds, the deputy manager has established community links with local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) who regularly visit the home to strengthen relationships with the residents.

Chloe was nominated by the home’s registered manager, Karolina Szyndzielorz, who described her as a ‘compassionate and effective Deputy Manager’ who ‘has a passion for making a difference to those under her care’.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “Our aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognise 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.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.

“It is a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.”