Find out about the finalists of the WeCare Wales 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.
Two 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, 30 March.
Gareth Lewis, Social Worker at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council
Gareth was nominated by Helen Bowles, Experienced Social Worker at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.
In January 2024, Gareth started a temporary position as a social worker in the Housing Outreach Team for homelessness in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Over the last two years, he’s supported 141 people at risk of homelessness.
As a result of Gareth’s work highlighting the need for support in the area, the council has created three permanent social worker posts in the team.
According to Helen, Gareth has “transformed countless lives” with his non-judgemental, compassionate and strengths-based approach.
In a crisis, Gareth always acts quickly and calmly to get support where it’s needed.
A parent of a person receiving support says: “Gareth is extremely reliable and very supportive. Even though I know he’s incredibly busy, he has truly been a huge benefit when helping my son.”
One colleague says: “Gareth's role has proven to be transformative, not only for individuals facing homelessness but also for the professionals striving to support them daily.”
Gareth values the expert opinions around him. He’s “a true collaborator”, improving services across the local authority by strengthening multi-agency work.
By improving communication between services and helping people access support early, Gareth has reduced pressure on the system. Now, fewer emergency placements and crisis interventions are needed in the community.
Helen says: “He is much more than a social worker, he is a catalyst for positive change, a reassuring presence during crises, and a staunch advocate for dignity and respect.”
Maxine Carr, Care and Support Worker, Denbighshire County Council
Maxine was nominated by Rob Gilmour, Deputy Team Manager at Denbighshire County Council.
Maxine has worked at Nant y Môr Extra Care for 12 years, providing care and support to the older people who live there.
To help the setting’s residents and their families get to know one another, Maxine organises regular social events for them.
Events range from Macmillan coffee mornings and themed take away nights to Halloween and Christmas jumper parties.
Maxine collects donations from the local community and collaborates with local businesses to arrange catering.
Rob says: “These gatherings have become a highlight in the calendar, creating a sense of excitement and community spirit that is truly remarkable." Without Maxine’s events, a lot of the residents would have limited opportunities for social interaction.
One resident says: “The events have brought me out of my shell and given me more confidence socialising with others.”
And it’s not just the residents. Maxine has created a sense of well-being and connection across the whole community, with family, friends, neighbours and staff all looking forward to Maxine’s events.
The events even got a mention in a recent Care Inspectorate Wales inspection, which rated the setting as excellent: “People told us they loved the recent Chinese banquet night and are looking forward to the next one.”
Maxine also takes every opportunity for professional development. She recently attended ‘Making sense: care and creativity training’ and has been working in other parts of the service to learn more about supporting residents with dementia.
Rob says: “Maxine isn’t just organising events, she is building bridges, nurturing relationships, and improving lives.”