A dedicated nurse who supports young people with complex mental illness, autism and learning disabilities struck gold at the social care Oscars.
Jazmin Dicker, a registered mental health nurse who oversees the care and support of seven young adults referred to Crwban Care and Support at Trefforest near Pontypridd, was honoured at the Wales Care Awards
She had been shortlisted in the Independent Sector Nurse of the Year category at this year’s Wales Care Awards, which is sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, the leading international personal hygiene group.
The awards – dubbed the Oscars of social care – are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise outstanding work in the care sector and were announced at a glittering ceremony hosted by television presenter Jason Mohammed at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel..
But Jazmin was unable to be at the ceremony after her flight home from holiday was cancelled forcing her to watch the ceremony being streamed live on her tablet computer.
She said: “I wish I could’ve been there in person! Unfortunately, I was stuck in Costa Rica after my flight got cancelled, but I watched the ceremony from my hotel. Even from afar, it was such an emotional moment.
“Sian, my sister-in-law and business partner, went on my behalf, and from what I’ve heard, the event was absolutely fantastic. Our team had a brilliant time celebrating, so even though I couldn’t be there, it still felt special.”
Jazmin said hearing her name being announced was “surreal”
“I was completely overwhelmed. Winning this award is honestly the highlight of my career. Sian accepted the award for me, and she deserves it just as much—she’s my right arm, I couldn’t do this without her.
“My family and workmates were absolutely buzzing. We had 10 of our support workers there, and along with Sian and Emily, our deputy manager, they had a blast celebrating. Lots of smiles and congratulations all around! My mum, sister, brother and best mates were also all watching and celebrating with me. They were all so proud and it was amazing,” she said.
Jazmin believes the award is a huge validation of all the hard work put in at Crwban Care and Support.
“It’s a real boost and reminds me why I love what I do. I love seeing our service users grow and thrive.
“And for Crwban, it’s a massive deal—it raises our profile and shows the quality of care we provide. It’ll hopefully open up more opportunities for us and help us grow even further.
“Plus, it’s great motivation for the whole team. We’re excited about what’s next!” she added.
Jazmin has worked in a variety of different mental health settings including a crisis team and has experience of care co-ordinating patients with complex mental health needs, managing risk and giving the appropriate amount of support required to keep people well whilst maintaining their independence.
She has also undertaken several courses and training in order to develop her therapeutic skills and is committed to delivering top tier patient centred care to all of our residents, so is always looking for ways to develop her practice.
Jazmin said her nursing career has been both challenging and rewarding.
“When one of our service users moved in, he was withdrawn and underweight. Now he is eating properly and taking care of himself. He volunteers locally and is going to college and thriving. Seeing how he has turned things around is immensely rewarding,” she said.
Sian Perez, Director and Registered Manager at Crwban Care and Support, said another important aspect of her work is team work.
“Nurses work very closely with other healthcare professionals and with Jazmin’s vast experience of working with other professionals in the field as a nurse in the NHS.
“Jazmin has bought those skills and knowledge with her when setting up her Supported Living Accommodation and works seamlessly with other professionals and collaborating with others.
“When starting Crwban Care and Support she felt that there was not a recovery model that simplifies the journey towards independence in a way which could be used co-productively with service users in order to evaluate individuals current state and progress easily.
“Jazmin took it upon herself to create Crwbans personal Recovery Wave and it has been very well used with great feedback from both service users and other health professionals.”
Despite a busy workload Jazmin said it is essential for nurses to stay informed about new processes, technologies, treatments and approaches as care evolves and develops.
“I have undertaken extra Positive Behaviour Management and De-escalation training to be able to feel more comfortable in any situation I may be in and any questions I may be asked from support workers.
“Supporting others to promote equality and secure the rights of individuals is also crucial. As a role model to colleagues I promote person centred ways of working and promote the respect, dignity, and wellbeing of individuals,” she said.
Sian Perez added: “We receive regular positive feedback about her practice. The feedback highlights her warm nature and approachability whilst
also noting her ability to manage complex and challenging situations whilst remaining calm.
“Jazmin always goes above and beyond for all of our service users and staff, and this is reflected in the progress that they make and the relationship they she has with them all.”
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair 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.”
