A former McDonalds employee who now helps vulnerable adults with mental health needs to become more independent has become the toast of the social care industry with a national award.

Chloe Meyrick, from Newbridge, Gwent, received the silver gong at the Wales Care Awards – dubbed the ‘Oscars’ of the care industry.

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, 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.

She had been shortlisted for the Supported Living or Small Group Community Living Care Practitioner Award, sponsored by Citation & All Care, and was 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.

Chloe received her prize at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

The graduate, who lives with her partner Chris Regnard and their dog Blue, 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.

She 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, 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.”