A FORMER Ammanford college student whose care helped a young man with mental health needs to start studying law at university, has struck gold in Wales' top care awards.

In a glittering awards night at Cardiff City Hall, hosted by BBC presenter Lucy Owen, Nicola Bolton won gold in the 2014 Wales Care Awards for excellence in leadership and management in supported living or small group community living, sponsored by Radis Community Care.

The awards ceremony, sponsored by Barclays Bank, organised by Care Forum Wales, is regarded as the ‘Oscars' for the social care sector.

Nicola helped a young man with mental health needs progress so quickly by providing expert community care that he now lives in his own flat and is studying law at university.

“Of course I was absolutely surprised to win. It was a night which everyone enjoyed and it was a great honour for me to represent the organisation and its staff at the awards,” said Nicola.

Her role in the care home for younger adults that cared for the young man now at university, was one of the triggers which prompted her Managing Director Peter Max, at South Wales based Integra Community Living Options, to nominate Nicola.

Welsh speaker Nicola, who studied at college in Ammanford, started in the care sector about 13 years ago: “Previously I worked for a short time in a small residential home working with people with learning disabilities and really enjoyed that,” said Nicola.

“I joined Integra in 2012, which provides residential care and supported living services for individuals with enduring mental health needs, and now has six small group homes across South Wales providing rehabilitation and outcome focused care and support.

“We pride ourselves in supporting individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations and give them confidence to move on into the community on their own or with their families."

Mario Kreft, the chair of Care Forum Wales, said there was a record number of nominations and the standard was extremely high.

“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," he said.

“We take our hats off to them.”