A healthcare professional has won gold for her \u201cdeep expertise\u201d in supporting people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions.<\/p>\n
Gemma Jennings has over 14 years\u2019 experience in the sector and has worked as Director of Operations for MHC UK Ltd in Llandyrnog, Denbighshire since 2021.<\/p>\n
The organisation adopts a \u201cresearch based approach\u201d to deliver calm and safe residential care homes.<\/p>\n
Colleagues say Gemma\u2019s career has been defined by a \u201cstrong commitment to person-centred care, ensuring that individuals receive the tailored support they deserve.\u201d<\/p>\n
It is Gemma\u2019s \u201cunwavering dedication\u201d that saw her shortlisted for the 2025 Wales Care Awards, sponsored by Meddyg Care.<\/p>\n
She stood out for \u201cchampioning a culture of openness and collaboration\u201d and making sure residents, staff and families feel heard and valued.<\/p>\n
Gemma was shortlisted for the Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing category, sponsored by Care Home Life of which she took home the gold award.<\/p>\n
The glittering presentation ceremony was held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.<\/p>\n
The awards are 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
The event pays tribute to the frontline heroes of social care.<\/p>\n
Gemma\u2019s individual practice and transformational leadership has significantly enhanced the quality of service delivery, both within MHC and across the wider health and social care sector.<\/p>\n
With her hands-on approach, she has led quality improvements across the eight services she oversees. Over the past year, five of them have achieved \u2018excellent\u2019 ratings from regulators.<\/p>\n
Gemma is also deeply committed to person centred care and individualised support and has built strong relationships with each of the 63 residents under her services.<\/p>\n
A highlight over the last year was that Gemma organised a fully accessible awards ceremony and gala event for residents to attend, which celebrated and recognised their achievements, from Volunteering to Cooking, a whole array of awards were given on the night. With her tireless efforts, colleagues stated that Gemma is an \u201cindispensable part of MHC and the care sector.\u201d<\/p>\n
Staff say her contributions are not just about compliance and regulation, they also include creating meaningful and lasting change.<\/p>\n
Registered Managers, Billy Holmes and Crystal Pritchard, who nominated Gemma, said: \u201cGemma\u2019s leadership fosters a strong sense of community, where care, support and protection remain at the heart of every decision.\u201d<\/p>\n
They said Gemma has been \u201cinstrumental in supporting them to manage their services Holland House and Villas, the satellite homes Garth and Glasfryn as well as the other five services within the Residential Group.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is an honour to nominate her for this award recognising her unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those she serves,\u201d they said.<\/p>\n
\u201cGemma\u2019s impact extends far beyond her role, she has not only guided and supported us in our professional growth but has also inspired us on a personal level and becomes a respected role model for us all to look up to.\u201d<\/p>\n
They added: \u201cGemma possesses the remarkable ability to see beyond the condition, recognising each person as an individual. She consistently champions people, not just residents.\u201d<\/p>\n
Reacting to the news of winning gold, Gemma said: \u201cI feel so lucky to have won gold!<\/p>\n
\u201cI am very passionate about my work, I\u2019d like to thank the residents and staff teams whom I have the pleasure of working alongside every day.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy appreciation to Crystal, Billy and Jordan for my nomination.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am also incredibly proud that MHC UK Ltd and the work that we do was recognised at the event, as well as the work which Care Forum Wales does for providers in Wales, it is vitally important.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a fantastic evening, celebrating and recognising the Social Care sector in Wales.\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.
\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