We are proud to share the great news that Samantha, a team leader based at an Integra Community Living Options service in Wales, has won a silver award at the Wales Care Awards 2024.
The awards are a celebration of excellence across the Wales care sector. Their purpose is to congratulate those who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field.
Samantha won silver for the Residential Care Practitioner Award. The winners were announced at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday 18 October, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
Samantha joined Integra as a college leaver in 2022. She started her career as a support worker and was promoted to team leader in September 2024.
Called ‘superwoman’ by her colleagues for performing to all the National Care Group values, Samantha says she was shocked to find out she had been nominated for the award.
Samantha said she was inspired to work in social care after becoming the primary caregiver for her autistic brother.
“My 12-year-old brother has autism and so I’ve grown up around mental health issues and learning difficulties. 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 Integra & National Care Group teams who have been so kind, helpful and supportive.
I came here knowing nothing and Rebecca 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 was nominated by the registered manager of Cawern Lodge, Rebecca Cardy. She 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”.
“Encouraging individuals to achieve personal outcomes, whilst her upbeat approach naturally motivates the wider team. She is continually assisting senior colleagues and myself as manager, with tasks beyond her remit. Always doing so with a smile and without being asked.”
Does Samantha’s story inspire you?
Click here to find out more about why a career with National Care Group could be an excellent choice for you, too.
National Care Group is one of the UK’s leading adult social care providers. We support adults with learning disabilities, mental health diagnoses, acquired brain injuries, and autistic people, with services across England and Wales.
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