A keen motorcyclist has got off to a flying start in his career.

Just six months after beginning his work in the care sector Rhys John picked up his first award, and now, another nine months on, he is line for an even more prestigious honour.

The 25-year-old, who lives in Cardiff Bay and hails from Brecon, has been shortlisted for one of this year’s Wales Care Awards, dubbed the social care Oscars.

The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work in the sector and the glittering ceremony, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, will be held at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on October 18. It will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

Rhys has been shortlisted in the category for Best Newcomer, which is sponsored by the Educ8 Group.

The former psychology graduate, who was born and spent his early years in Brecon, began as a support worker for React, which provides accommodation for men and women with various mental health problems, in May, 2023.

He is based at Cadoc House, one of the organisation’s services in Roath, and in December he won React’s “Best Newcomer Award” after being nominated by colleagues.

In February this year he was promoted to senior support worker and has been shortlisted after further commendations from React staff team.

He was nominated by Cadoc’s Registered Manager Ceri-Ann Welch who described Rhys as “an asset to the staff team”.

“He is extremely knowledgeable and passionate in all his interactions with individuals,” she said.

“His skill set allows him to effectively run a shift, ensuring all Individuals are able to have their requested support and ensuring that the right person is allocated whilst safely navigating the other pressures of the shift,” said Ceri-Ann.

She described how he managed to build a relationship with one Individual, enabling her to become open to the idea of working with other males, and then ensuring that other staff supported the woman with her eating disorder.

As a Welsh-speaker Rhys has been appointed as Cadoc House’s Welsh Champion, an asset which further helps in building relationships with some of the individuals.

Among the testimonials in support of his nomination was one from one of the home’s residents, who commented: “He is very approachable, kind and easy to talk to. I trust him and feel he definitely deserves recognition.”

Another said: “He is someone that is always there who makes me feel safe. I know where I am when Rhys is around.”

Rhys, who has a degree in human and social sciences and a master’s in clinical psychology,

said he found the work extremely satisfying, especially seeing the difference that can be made to people’s lives.

“People have faced various difficulties and we try to make their lives better,” he said. “One has to be patient but it is very rewarding.”

Outside of work, he enjoyed riding his motorbike, his longest trip to date being a holiday in Scotland. He is also an avid reader.

He is looking forward to next month’s ceremony.

“I have heard from colleagues what a great occasion it is,” he said.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards, 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.”