A kind care home worker arranged for the wedding of two beloved colleagues to be broadcast on a big screen for residents to watch and join the celebrations.

It’s just one of the heart-warming efforts made by Marisa Parry, who works at Glain House Care Home in Cardiff, that’s put her in line to be honoured at the prestigious Wales Care Awards.

Marsia has been shortlisted in the Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing category, sponsored by the Care Home Life company.

The event is being organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector.

The presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, is being held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday, October 17.

The bride and groom, Abhi and Reshmi, originally from India, work alongside Marisa Parry at Glain House Care Home and the screening allowed residents to share in the joy of their caregivers but also fostered a deep sense of community and cultural appreciation.

Marisa said: “Abhi is a senior at Glain House and was joined by his then girlfriend Reshmi who is a care assistant. We get on so well and I think the world of them.

“There was an open invite to join them at their wedding last year and staff and residents watched it on the big screen and it was as if we were there. Beforehand we made some Indian-style floral decorations and ate some Indian snacks.

“I love my work and love making people happy and this was just one of those lovely occasions.”

Marisa’s passion for Health and Social Care began over 20 years ago when she was given the opportunity to run Adamsdown Day Centre.

At the centre Marisa created a safe, stimulating, and welcoming environment for older adults in the community.

She not only oversaw daily operations but also introduced innovative initiatives to enhance wellbeing.

These included providing nutritious, home-cooked meals on-site and organising enriching trips to Torquay, Blackpool and France.

In 2013, when the centre faced closure due to council funding cuts, Marisa fought tirelessly to keep it open.

Her determination led to Adamsdown Day Centre being shortlisted for a £50,000 cash boost from The People’s Millions, a partnership between the Big Lottery Fund and ITV and went on to win this.

Despite the challenges of Covid-19 and the eventual depletion of funds in 2021, Marisa remained committed to making a difference.

She moved into her role as Lead Wellbeing Coordinator at Glain House Care Home five years ago and began implementing transformative ideas to enrich the lives of residents.

“We do tailor made activities in the care home and organise things such as resident led activities, empowering individuals to share their interests, talents, hobbies, skills and traditions with others.

“Arm chair travels were residents explore different cultures, it’s like being on holiday.

“We do regular trips to restaurants and pubs for the residents and at one time we had 30 residents enjoy a meal out, and they all had a great time!”

“I’ll go shopping for the residents, getting their toiletries and things and I also make sure my mum, Angela, is OK. She’s 80 years old but still very active in the church and other charities,” added Marisa.”

Glain House Registered manager Chris Adamowicz, who nominated Marisa for the award, said: “Her innovative and person-centred approach has redefined wellbeing within the home, ensuring that every individual experience joy, purpose, and engagement.

“Marisa’s unwavering dedication to mental health and wellbeing is truly extraordinary. Her ability to create meaningful experiences, advocate for the most vulnerable, and inspire those around her makes her an exceptional candidate for this 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 front line 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.”