We are delighted to be able to celebrate our very own, Paula Manfield’s recent recognition by Wales Care Awards. Paula has recently been awarded a prestigious Wales Care Award, organised by the Care Forum Wales to recognise outstanding work in the care sector.
Paula won Gold for Excellence in Palliative and End of Life Care, sponsored by Hallmark Care Homes. This is a direct result of her work with one particular Innovate Trust resident, who Paula enabled to remain comfortable and cared for in his home throughout his final years.
It takes a special kind of person to fulfil a role in end-of-life care. To see what that person needs, to be a constant source of light, smiles, care, and positivity on the hardest of days. In addition to all this, Paula also demonstrates daily, the ability to assess and meet the needs of people with profound disabilities. She is incredibly deserving of this award.
Nomination
Paula has worked in the care sector for 25 years and for the past six years has been with us at Innovate Trust.
Mark Phillips (Locality Manager) nominated Paula for the Wales Care Award. With additional praise from colleagues and staff from Cardiff Council who have been impressed by her work.
Paula has dealt with very challenging circumstances. She has remained a constant source of inspiration and support to all that work with her and alongside her. Paula excels when working with and amongst her teams. From mentoring to supporting them through many difficult situations. She is a fierce advocate for those with profound disabilities.
Catching up with Paula
I feel very honoured to have even been nominated, let alone win [the Wales Care Awards]. I could not do my job without the great support teams that I am so lucky to have. The hours, care, and support they give is second to none. The skills they have around health and complex needs are outstanding.
[I invited] Mark to join me after I had been asked to attend the Wales Care Awards. He has been a great support to me over the past few years. We would have a catch-up meeting to see what was going on and what I needed to provide this level of support. [Mark consistently] supports me with any decisions that needed to be made for the people we support and their needs. He still makes sure I’m ok now.
Paula acknowledges that they were able to support someone for longer than they ever imagined possible, especially through Covid-19. We are very proud of the way our teams keep so many vulnerable people safe.
Recognition from Innovate Trust and the Wales Care Awards
On October 21, 2022, an event in Cardiff City Hall hosted the presentation of the Welsh Care Awards. The event was a night of joy, sentiment, and appreciation for hard work that is often overlooked during busy periods.
Paula is part of a dedicated team at Innovate Trust. As an organisation, we pride ourselves on exceptional care and consideration for the quality of the lives of the people we support.
We are currently recruiting for Support Workers and several other roles that you can view on our Careers page. We deliver a high level of training and care and aim to support you to achieve recognition like this.
For now, we wish Paula the very best, and hope celebrations are fully underway. Thank you, Paula, and thank you to our Community Living Services teams for continuously going the extra mile for the people we support. The difference our employees make is immeasurable, and we are extremely grateful.
