A talented music therapist who struck gold at the social care Oscars is now looking forward to adding a new string to her bow by working in the field of pain relief.

Ceri Rawson, from Bylchau, near Denbigh, was joint winner of the prestigious Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award For promoting The Arts in Social Care.

She was presented with her accolade at the glittering Wales Care Awards at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, compered by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad, and streamed live online.

The Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award For promoting The Arts in Social Care recognises the work of groups and individuals who use their music and artistic talents to enhance the wellbeing of people in care.

The award is sponsored by the Pendine Arts and Community Trust (PACT) which was established by Pendine Park care organisation owners Mario and Gill Kreft to support arts and community initiatives in Wales.

She was presented with her accolade on the night by Welsh Senedd member Lesley Griffiths MS.

Ceri said she was overwhelmed with emotion and extremely proud to have received the award.

She said: “I am so thrilled to think that the value of music therapy in social care has been recognised like this. I love my job and I feel humbled that through my work I can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable people in society.

“Research has shown that music can be a vital key in unlocking memories of people diagnosed with dementia and through my job I get to see the positive effects that music can have every day.”

This year Ceri has been nominated for three awards.

She said: “As a result the word has spread about the importance of music therapy and I have now been contacted by a number of interested professionals keen to hear more about its benefits.

“I am now hoping to help pioneer new forms of music therapy and am currently exploring the possibility using it to help with pain relief. There is significant research which indicates that enjoying music can help ease pain among those who suffer chronic conditions. I am excited to become involved in this side of music therapy in the future.”

Ceri qualified as a music therapist 15 years ago. She took her mum, Llinos, as her guest to the presentation evening as a thank you for all the support she had given her as she studied music and developed her career.

The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to pay tribute to those who work in social care across Wales. The shortlist of finalists in each category of award was whittled down from hundreds of nominees in the social care sector across Wales.

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 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.”

Ceri was nominated for the Sir Bryn Terfel Award by Sarah Edwards, the Artist in  Residence at Pendine Park where her music therapy project, organised in conjunction with Canolfan Gerdd William Mathias (William Mathias Music Centre), brought  smiles to the faces of residents.

According to Sarah, everyone always looks forward to Ceri’s visits when she brings along her keyboard and a range of percussion instruments for residents to play.

She said: “Ceri is an exceptionally talented music therapist and we were delighted when she came to sing for us at Pendine as part of our diverse enrichment programme. She visited all our homes in Wrexham in turn, bringing joy, laughter, fun and much musical merriment wherever she went . She adapted each session to suit our residents’ wide ranging music tastes.

“We all congratulate her on her win and we hope to welcome Ceri back here at Pendine Park very soon for much more music magic!”

Ceri lives on a sheep farm with her husband Lion and three young daughters, Leah, 11, Megan 10, and Awel, eight.

They watched the awards presentation online and were thrilled to see her win the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Wales Care Award.

Ceri said: “I was over the moon when they sent me a text message saying ‘Nice One, Mum!’ After they saw me collect the award.”