A devoted care manager from Denbighshire has been hailed a hero after scooping a top award for transforming the lives of adults with learning disabilities.<\/p>\n
Michael Rawlins, 35, who heads up Oak Residential Home in Llandyrnog, near Denbigh, was honoured in the Outstanding Service category sponsored by the Caron Group at this year\u2019s Wales Care Awards \u2013 dubbed the \u201cOscars of social care\u201d.<\/p>\n
Judges praised Michael for his \u201cunwavering dedication\u201d and the life-changing difference he\u2019s made to residents and staff alike at the home, run by Mental Health Care (MHC) Ltd.<\/p>\n
The event is being organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work of the unsung frontline heroes in the social care sector.<\/p>\n
At the presentation ceremony, sponsored by Meddyg Care, at Cardiff\u2019s Holland House Hotel, Michael was presented with the Silver award.<\/p>\n
Michael, who has been with Mental Health Care (MHC) Ltd since 2010, was nominated for his \u201cunwavering dedication\u201d in supporting both his team and the residents of Oak, a specialist home designed to help adults with complex needs live fulfilling, independent lives.<\/p>\n
Despite the personal honour, Michael remains modest, crediting his 40-strong team for the nomination.<\/p>\n
Speaking before the ceremony Michael said: \u201cNaturally I\u2019m pleased, but this is a recognition of our hard work as a team. Everyone here is amazing \u2013 they give their all, every single day, to make a difference to the people who live at Oak.\u201d<\/p>\n
Oak provides a sensory-friendly, supportive environment for eight residents, each with highly individualised care plans.<\/p>\n
Since Michael took the helm in 2023, three long-term residents have successfully progressed to more independent living \u2013 something he sees as a major achievement.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s what it\u2019s all about \u2013 helping people build skills, grow in confidence and, when they\u2019re ready, take that next step. It\u2019s incredibly rewarding,\u201d Michael added.<\/p>\n
Oak was given a glowing review by Care Inspectorate Wales last year, praising the home’s focus on communication, choice, and empowerment.<\/p>\n
The report highlighted how \u201cpeople\u2019s quality of life has been enriched,\u201d echoing Michael\u2019s own commitment to a person-centred, goal-driven approach.<\/p>\n
Outside of work, Michael\u2019s commitment doesn\u2019t stop. He\u2019s a hands-on dad to two young children and still finds time to support his brother on the family\u2019s sheep farm in Henllan.<\/p>\n
Shaun Jones, Director of Operations at MHC, said: \u201cMichael has transformed the lives of individuals in his care by delivering outcomes that are both meaningful and achievable. He\u2019s also enhanced the living space, ensuring all sensory needs are met.\u201d<\/p>\n
MHC Managing Director Seona Weir, who nominated him, added: \u201cMichael is the embodiment of what we aim for in social care \u2013 compassion, professionalism and an unwavering commitment to improving lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of the Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards once again shone a light on the \u201cunsung heroes and heroines\u201d who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cFor more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector \u2013 it\u2019s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.\u201d<\/p>\n
A special moment in the evening when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.<\/p>\n
According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas\u2019s long standing support for the Wales Care Award and for social care more broadly.<\/p>\n
\u201cDafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,\u201d said Mr Kreft.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on \u2013 not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.\u201d<\/p>\n