HAVING an imaginative approach to caring has proved so successful for one Blaenau woman, that she has been put forward for a top accolade.

Crafty and creative Karen Jeffreys from Blaenau, started working at Maesteilo Care Home in Llandeilo 18 months ago when she took on the role of Day Service Co-ordinator.

The role involves running four interactive sessions a day catering for 64 adults with learning difficulties from six different homes, culminating in an event at the end of each eight-week theme.

But despite having no previous experience, 48-year-old Karen has taken the challenge in her stride and her enthusiasm has shown through in everything she has done, prompting Regional Director Jacqui Orrells to nominate her for an award in the annual Wales Care Awards, recognising the very best individuals in the industry.

Karen said, “I am really shocked about getting put forward and I’m quite overwhelmed.

“My job is so amazing in itself that it’s just a bonus that people appreciate what I do.

“I take the arts and crafts sessions and also the computers, language and numeracy projects. We also have indoor and outdoor events on all the time and do a hike every month.

“We have a theme for each programme of events – the next one is New York and will end with a fancy dress party that co-incides with Children in Need.

“I love seeing how the residents come on during the project and respond to the sessions. Seeing what they get out of it, and seeing the smiles on their faces is so worthwhile.

“Everyone who comes is different so we have so many different sessions running and make sure to spend some time with each individual.

“When I see how much they enjoy it, it means everything to me.”

The Wales Care Awards, run by Care Forum Wales, acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector, culminating in a glittering ceremony at City Hall in Cardiff on Friday, October 24.

And Karen was an obvious candidate for such recognition, as Jacqui explained: “Karen impressed us in her interview as she had genuine warmth and compassion. She hadn’t worked in the care sector before and had no experience of working with adults with learning disabilities but she had lots of creative skills like art, craft and pottery.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

“The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar,” he said.

“The aim is to recognise the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

“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."