A care home manager from Denbighshire was moved to tears when she heard she had been shortlisted for a prestigious award.<\/p>\n
Michaela Vallance has worked within the health and care sector for 15 years as a support worker, team leader, deputy manager and now as a registered manager at a home for people living with autism and complex needs.<\/p>\n
Her commitment, drive and leadership skills have so impressed her colleagues that they have recommended her for an accolade at the Wales Care Awards 2024, known as the social care Oscars.<\/p>\n
Michaela, 36, has been nominated in the Excellence in Learning Disability Services and Mental Health category sponsored by My Choice Health Care.<\/p>\n
She was put forward by her employers and colleagues at MHC UK in Llangwyfan, near Denbigh, which is one of the UK\u2019s 50 top providers of support for individuals with learning disabilities, mental health issues, behaviours that challenge, and autism. It has locations in north Wales and the north west of England.<\/p>\n
The eventual winners of gold, silver and bronze honours will be announced at a glittering presentation evening at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 18, compered by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.<\/p>\n
According to Michaela, news that she was shortlisted as a finalist brought a tear to her eye.<\/p>\n
Michaela said: \u201cWe were on holiday in Tenerife. I couldn\u2019t believe I had been nominated, it was such a surprise, and so overwhelming. I\u2019m so grateful to have had my name put forward, never mind reaching the finals.\u201d<\/p>\n
Her chef husband, Daniel, and two daughters Emi and Harriett, aged 12 and three, are hugely proud of their mum.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was lovely that my family were there when I had the telephone call telling me about it,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Michaela joined MHC UK in 2013 and is the group\u2019s Registered Manager for Beech, in Llangwyfan, a two bedded registered home for people living with complex needs.<\/p>\n
She also manages Cedar, the MHC activities department which offers therapeutic activities to enable residents to develop education and life skills to smooth their integration with local communities.<\/p>\n
MHC Managing Director Seona Weir praised Michaela\u2019s person centred approach to all she does, as well as her leadership and positive behavioural support.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cThis has resulted in a significant improvement beyond all expectations in the quality of life of the individuals within Beech.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is clear that Michaela does not see the person for their disability and how they should be supported, but as a person who wants a fulfilled and happy life. Michaela\u2019s aims and objectives for everyone she works with are to give them opportunities to be the best version of themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michaela said she greatly enjoys her job and the chance it gives her to help the more vulnerable members of society make the most of their lives.<\/p>\n
She said: \u201cI am a great believer in positive risk-taking and enabling people to achieve their dreams and ambitions no matter how great the obstacles they need to overcome to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n
She is excited about attending the awards night next month accompanied by her husband.<\/p>\n
Ontex Healthcare is the overall sponsor for the evening which will be hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.<\/p>\n
The shortlist of finalists in each category of award has been whittled down from hundreds of nominees in the social care sector across Wales. Each finalist will receive a gold, silver or bronze accolade.<\/p>\n
Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, which oversees the Wales Care Awards, said: \u201cOur aim is to recognise the unstinting, often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines on the front line of social care in Wales.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe sector is full of wonderful people because it\u2019s not just a job it\u2019s a vocation \u2013 these are the people who really do have the X Factor.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t recognise those who do the caring you will never provide the high standards people require and never recognise the value of the people who need care in society.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe must do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce which deserves to be lauded and applauded.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a pleasure to honour the contribution of all the finalists. Each and every one of them should be very proud of their achievement.\u201d<\/p>\n