Find out about the finalists of the WeCare Wales award and vote for the winner.
This award is sponsored by WeCare Wales.
The 2025 Accolades will be held at the Mercure Cardiff Holland House Hotel on Thursday 1 May.
This year, the winners of two categories will be decided by public vote. These are:
- Inspirational Leadership
- WeCare Wales.
Four workers from across the social care and childcare, play and early years sectors were chosen as finalists for the WeCare Wales award.
Voting is open until 5pm, 31 March.
Casey Baker, Social Care Worker, Bridgend County Borough Council Supported Living Bridgend County Borough Council
Nominated by Ceri Williams, Provider Service Manager at Bridgend County Borough Council Supported Living.
Casey’s creative and person-centred approach to her role has made her “a beloved figure amongst the people she supports and her colleagues”.
Casey’s always looking for a way to bring a smile to the people she supports. She organises birthday and Christmas parties, spa days, craft nights, games nights and pizza making evenings for the people she supports. But “these aren’t just activities; they’re carefully planned experiences that bring joy and a sense of community to everyone involved.”
It’s Casey’s ability to connect with people on a personal level that makes her an exceptional social care worker. She’s reliable, attentive and has created a nurturing environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Ceri says: “Casey’s actions are driven by a genuine desire to make a positive difference.”
Her dedication goes beyond her regular duties. While providing end of life care for one of the people she supports, Casey single-handedly decorated the person’s room for her birthday to make sure she could still celebrate, despite being bed-bound. Casey provided “a source of comfort and joy during a difficult time”.
Casey also supports and encourages her team. Leading by example, she’s created a collaborative and compassionate atmosphere and inspires her colleagues with her willingness to go the extra mile.
Ceri says: “Casey’s actions exemplify the highest standards of care and dedication.”
Gayle Jones, Care Coordinator at Habitat Homecare in Swansea
Nominated by Lisa Buchanan, Responsible Individual and Director at Habitat Homecare.
Lisa describes Gayle as “a cornerstone of the team” who always goes above and beyond.
One of the people Gayle supports says: “[Gayle] goes the extra mile and nothing is ever too much trouble for her. She works so hard and makes my daily living so much easier.”
Gayle is currently completing her Level 5 qualification in health and social care. Gayle’s always looking for ways to improve her work and the quality of life of the people she supports.
After hearing about Public Health Wales’s national oral health initiative, Gwên am Byth, Gayle got in touch with the Gwên am Byth trainers to organise sessions for her colleagues. Best practice in oral health is now part of the daily routine at Habitat Homecare.
Lisa says Gayle “embodies compassion and integrity” in every aspect of her work. Over Christmas, she prepares meals for clients who are at risk of loneliness. She’s “respected deeply by her colleagues and beloved by her clients”.
Returning to her role after losing her partner, Gayle said: “I wanted to do my job for those who need me and have a focus.”
Habitat Homecare’s care manager says: “She’s always ready to lend a helping hand, provide guidance and support her colleagues through any challenges they might face. Gayle’s contributions to the team are invaluable and her unwavering dedication has made a lasting impact.”
Sarah Sharpe, Registered Childminder at Poppins Daycare in the Vale of Glamorgan
Nominated by Lee Walker-Metzelaar, Childminder.
Sarah’s passion and dedication shines through in her work as a childminder. Lee says Sarah has “all the time in the world” for the children she cares for.
At her allotment in Barry, Sarah teaches children to plant, grow and harvest their own fruit and vegetables. With her Hygge Accreditation, she fosters a healthy relationship with food and nature.
Sarah has helped parents access vital support for their children. She’s referred families to Flying Start to access parenting classes, extra health visits and play sessions at home.
One parent says: “We couldn’t be more thankful”. Another describes how Sarah’s care has given their child “an amazing sense of play and confidence”.
Sarah offers free childcare for an hour for parents so they can visit their GP for a smear test.
Sarah also works with the local authority to support new childminders and promote training courses, and provides free mentoring evenings for childminders.
In 2024, Sarah won Cymru Kids Clubs’s ‘Playworker of the year’ award for her commitment to learning. She also won the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years Cymru Award.
Lee says: “Sarah has the biggest, kindest heart of anyone I know.”
Terri Steele, Self-employed Registered Childminder from Ceredigion
Nominated by Claire Protheroe, Head of Contracts and Projects at the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years Cymru.
Terri’s “infectious energy, enthusiasm and appreciation of the children’s needs” means she’s very much trusted by the parents of the children she cares for, and the children have “freedom to explore [and] space to get frustrated”.
Terri is passionate about learning. She has a Forest School qualification and teaches the children about gardening, the environment and Welsh culture. They also learn sign language.
One parent said: “Knowing how happy my son is with Terri made returning to work as pain free as possible. You can’t put a price on that, but you can give her an award for it.”
Parents and carers nominated Terri for the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years Cymru’s (PACEY) Wellbeing Champion award, where she was a joint winner.
Terri is also engaged in the early years and childcare sector. She attends childminder forums, where she helps identify the challenges facing the sector.
She’s also worked with the Ceredigion Childcare Unit to promote childminding as a career and was nominated for an award for this work.
Terri was nominated for the Accolades in part by a family she supported following the loss of their son, who say: “[Terri] has provided my daughter with security, compassion and a place where her little brother will always be remembered and loved … I wouldn’t want to send my child anywhere else.”