A \u201ccommitted\u201d manager at a charity hailed for giving people a voice has seen her hard work and dedication hoat a glittering awards ceremony.<\/p>\n
Ruth Wellum\u2019s passion and selflessness saw her quickly rise through the ranks at Cartrefi Ni Ltd in St Asaph after a previous career in childminding.<\/p>\n
The organisation helps people with learning disabilities live active, independent and fulfilling lives.<\/p>\n
Ruth\u2019s \u201cexceptional\u201d contribution to the team has led to the 55-year-old from Towyn scooping a prestigious accolade for her efforts at the 2022 Wales Care Awards, dubbed the Oscars of social care.<\/p>\n
The grandmother-of-two took the silver gong for the Leading Practice in Learning Disability and Mental Health Services Award, with the category being sponsored by Amaya Care.<\/p>\n
The event in Cardiff was hosted by tenor and radio presenter Wynne Evans, better known as Gio Compario from the Go Compare TV ads.<\/p>\n
Sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, it was run in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time \u2013 how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.<\/p>\n
Ruth, who joined the not-for-profit organisation in 2014 after moving to the region from Sheffield was shortlisted after her line managers and colleagues cited the \u201camazing commitment\u201d she showed following an outbreak of Covid 19 in one house which involved three tenants and two staff testing positive for the virus.<\/p>\n
Her dedication saw her go \u201cabove and beyond her role\u201d working outside of her normal office hours, supporting family members and sacrificing her own personal time.<\/p>\n
Support worker, Helen Grimston said: \u201cRuth shows true dedication to the job, often working extended hours to ensure that any complications or issues are resolved in the best possible way.<\/p>\n
\u201cRuth is an inspiration to all team members and is extremely approachable, no matter whether it is a personal or work issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cRuth freely passes on her wealth of knowledge and is truly amazing.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is no doubt that Ruth puts others before herself and is the epitome of what working within social care is all about.\u201d<\/p>\n
Ruth said: \u201cI started working here after a career both as a childminder and supporting childminders with a local authority so I\u2019ve always been in a caring role.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is totally different but I love it, it\u2019s brilliant. I just come in and do my job but to be recognised for it feels amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the ceremony was all the more poignant because of the Covid pandemic and what front line staff had endured.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI would like to pay a heartfelt tribute to all the wonderful people who work in social care after the rose magnificently and courageously to meet the unprecedented challenges they have faced over the past couple of years.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have always recognised their true value and hopefully now the rest of Wales is also aware of how lucky we are as a nation to\u00a0 have them providing care and safeguarding our most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur finalists are the best of the best and are here representing the whole social care workforce who all deserve a big pat on the back.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.<\/p>\n
\u201cI trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights and in the months and years to come.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the words of the powerful song, Heroes of our Heart, written by the acclaimed poet Mererid Hopwood and sung by Sir Bryn Terfel, let the Diolch last forever.<\/p>\n
\u201dWe take our hats off to them.\u201d<\/p>\n