An Anglesey-based virtual reality project, a supported living manager in Bridgend and a Saturday club for children in Newport are among the winners of the 2026 Accolades.
The Accolades are our annual awards that recognise, celebrate and share excellent social care, social work, and childcare, play and early years work in Wales.
Seven winners were presented with their awards at this year’s ceremony, which was held at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff on Thursday, 2 July.
The awards were hosted by well-known broadcaster Garry Owen and Social Care Wales’s Chief Executive Sarah McCarty.
More than 140 projects and care workers from across Wales entered or were nominated for this year’s awards. They were then whittled down to a final shortlist of 11 projects and eight workers by a panel of expert judges.
The judges included members of Social Care Wales’s Board, representatives from organisations across social care and childcare, play and early years, and people with experience of using care and support.
Mick Giannasi, Social Care Wales’s Chair, said: “The people and organisations who provide social care, social work and childcare, play and early years in Wales are truly invaluable. We know that despite the significant challenges they face, they continue to provide excellent care and support to some of our most vulnerable citizens.
“The people and projects we’ve recognised today give us a glimpse into the breadth of the work of the care sector in Wales, and the huge difference care and support makes to people’s lives.
“Events like these are so important if we’re to continue our work of raising the public profile of the essential care and support services provided to children, adults and families day in, day out across Wales.”
Sarah McCarty added: “We’re grateful to everyone who entered or nominated teams or workers because it means we can continue this hugely important job of recognising, celebrating and sharing excellence in care.
“Congratulations to all our deserving winners. It’s so important we take this time to recognise, celebrate and share your achievements, and crucially – to say thank you for all that you do. Diolch yn fawr!
“We’ll be publishing short videos of these exceptional services and individuals on our website to support the sharing of good practice across Wales.”