A college leaver who was inspired to work in social care after becoming the main carer of her autistic brother is in the line up for a top industry award.
Samantha Evans, who lives in Neath, joined Integra Community Living Options, part of National Care Group Ltd, two years ago as a support worker at Caewern Lodge, Neath – a six-bed home for adults with complex mental health needs.
Last month, the 22-year-old was promoted to Team Leader and now has double cause to celebrate with a place in the final of the Wales Care Awards 2024, dubbed the ‘care industry Oscars’.
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.
Samantha is shortlisted for the Residential Care Practitioner Award.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.
Dubbed ‘superwoman’ by her colleagues for her endless enthusiasm and passion for her work, Samantha says she feels privileged to have found her true vocation in life – just two years after completing her health and social care course at Neath Port Talbot College.
“My 12-year-old brother has autism and so I’ve grown up around mental health issues and learning difficulties,” she said.
“While I was at college, I became his named carer while my mother worked. Because of this, I just wanted to be able to make a positive difference and create a safe place for the small community that I’m a part of.
“Although the support we offer is different to my brother’s needs, seeing the way some approached his care gave me a purpose to help make other vulnerable people feel safe and heard.
“It’s a very rewarding job – and the best thing I’ve ever done. I have progressed faster than I could have imagined which is all thanks to my manager Rebecca and the staffing team who have been so kind, helpful and supportive.
“I came here knowing nothing and she has taught me everything she knows and then some.
“I feel very lucky to have come straight into a job that I can honestly see myself spending the rest of my working life in.”
Samantha, an avid baker renowned for her strawberry cheesecake, currently supports five adults living with a range of complex mental health difficulties. She connects and engages with the people she supports through cake baking and other creative activities such as positive story boarding to mark personal achievement milestones. She even redecorated the former snug into a Welsh themed room with one of the residents to celebrate and promote Welsh culture.
She was nominated for the gong by registered manager Rebecca Cardy who described her as a valued member of the team who takes everything in her stride.
“Since starting the role in 2022, she has quickly found her feet and championed for positive change,” she said.
“Encouraging individuals to achieve personal outcomes, whilst her upbeat approach naturally motivates the wider team. She is continually assisting senior staff and myself as manager, with tasks beyond her remit. Always doing so with a smile and without being asked.”
Although nervous for her own category, Samantha said she was fully behind the awards and their celebration of the sector.
“It’s such an easily forgotten sector and so it feels good for people to be recognised,” she said.
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.”
