Find out about the finalists of the Learner of the Year award and vote for the winner.
The 2026 Accolades will be held at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff on Thursday 2 July.
This year, the winners of three categories will be decided by public vote. These are:
- Inspirational Leadership
- Learner of the Year
- WeCare Wales.
Three workers from across the social care and childcare, play and early years sectors were chosen as finalists for the Learner of the Year award.
Voting is open until 5pm, 30 March.
Catherine Hevizi, Supported Living Manager at Bridgend County Borough Council
Catherine was nominated by Ceri Williams, Provider Services Manager at Bridgend County Borough Council.
Catherine believed for a long time that learning wasn’t for her. She struggled in school and was diagnosed with dyslexia as an adult. But after working in social care for 30 years, an opportunity came along and Catherine took it.
She began studying for the QCF Level 3 in Health and Social Care and completed her essential skills in literacy and numeracy.
Catherine learned about the theory, legislation and best practice principles that create excellent person-centred care. This has had a huge impact on her team, as well as the people she supports.
Now, Catherine mentors new colleagues, fosters a reflective, inclusive culture and shares new information.
Catherine also promotes best practice in the sector. She works with the speech and language therapy team at Swansea Bay University Health Board to champion dignified, inclusive communication in supported living environments.
Ceri says: “What truly sets Catherine apart is her humility and the way her learning has ignited a belief in others.” Catherine wants to show the people around her that it’s never too late to learn.
Catherine helps the people she supports to learn to express their preferences and needs confidently using new methods and technologies: “Catherine uses her knowledge to balance safety with autonomy, helping people make informed choices about their own lives.”
Catherine’s manager describes her as “the quiet strength of the team”. She learns not only to gain knowledge but to empower others and improve lives.
Georgia Meyrick, Playworker at Clwb Cymer Ofal in Cardiff
Georgia was nominated by Olivia Browning, Welsh Language Training Officer at Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs.
Georgia has been studying for her Level 3 diploma in playwork while balancing her work at Clwb Cymer Ofal and studying full-time at university.
Georgia combines academic excellence, practical skill and genuine passion. She balances her commitments without compromising on the quality of her work.
Olivia says: “Georgia creates inclusive, nurturing play spaces where every child feels valued and free to express themselves.” Georgia’s learning informs every aspect of her work. Her practice is always child-led, responsive and built on playwork principles.
Another colleague says: “Georgia has an incredible ability to see the world through the child’s eyes – she never rushes, she listens, and she always ensures their voices are heard.”
Georgia has also shaped the way her colleagues work. She uses research from her studies to inform real, practical change, including improving play spaces, behaviour management approaches and inclusive practices.
Olivia says: “Her ability to translate theory into meaningful action has enriched the experiences of the children she supports and enhanced the wider environment of her setting.”
Georgia’s enthusiasm for learning and developing her practice has inspired her colleagues. Another team member says: “Georgia is the kind of playworker every child deserves. She brings knowledge, kindness, and passion together in everything she does.”
For Olivia, “Georgia doesn’t just complete her studies; she lives and breathes what she learns, transforming theory into compassionate, effective action.”
Rebecca Howell-Morgan, Inclusive Playworker at Bridging the Gap Youth in Merthyr Tydfil
Rebecca was nominated by Bethan Jones, Training Officer at Clybiau Plant Cymru Kids’ Clubs.
Rebecca is studying towards her Level 3 diploma in playwork while working at Bridging the Gap Youth, an organisation that offers an after-school club, holiday club and over-19s club tailored to children and young people with additional learning needs.
As Rebecca’s tutor, Bethan says: “Her calm, kind and professional approach fosters an environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to express themselves.”
Always reflective and looking for ways to apply what she’s learned, Rebecca’s focus is on improving outcomes for the children she works with.
Rebecca adapts play to meet each child’s needs, advocates for their voices to be heard and models best practice.
Bethan says: “What truly stands out about Rebecca is her ability to combine compassion with continuous learning.”
Rebecca’s continuously finding new ways to support children’s development. Inspired by learning about inclusion and participation, Rebecca recently focused on connecting the children to their wider community.
She arranged for the children’s artwork to be displayed in the local library, showing them the value of their work.
To support her learning, Rebecca has completed additional training. She’s completed the Camau Entry Level part 1 Welsh language course, as well as attended lots of Clwb Hwb sessions on subjects, such as inclusive play.
Rebecca actively supports her colleagues to improve their practice, as well as her own. She shares knowledge, mentors new colleagues and has introduced new strategies to help make improvements at work.