A dedicated care supervisor from South Wales, celebrated for her extraordinary ability to transform the lives of her clients, has been honoured with a prestigious national industry award.
A 'Miracle Worker' Recognised
Jaylee Garner, a 29-year-old from Rhoose near Cardiff, received a silver award at the Wales Care Awards for her outstanding work with Allcare (South Wales) Ltd, based in Barry. Hailed as a 'miracle worker', Jaylee has spent the last 11 years in social care, making a profound difference for people with disabilities and mobility issues.
The awards ceremony, held at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff and sponsored overall by Meddyg Care, aims to shine a light on the exceptional contributions within the care sector. Jaylee was a finalist for the Care Practitioner in Small Group or Supported Living Award, sponsored by Cartref Ni, with all finalists guaranteed a gold, silver, or bronze prize.
Turning Dreams into Reality
Jaylee possesses a rare talent for having perceptive conversations that draw out the dreams and aspirations of those she supports, before actively working to turn them into reality. "We very much work towards outcomes," Jaylee explained. "It's my goal to go out and have conversations with people about what's important to them and to make a difference in their lives, as well as providing everyday care. We try to remove barriers that they might face."
Her colleagues affirm that she 'never gives up' and actively 'makes miracles happen'. One powerful example involved an elderly man who had suffered a stroke, leaving him immobile, housebound, and frustrated. Jaylee tackled practical issues in his home and alleviated his social isolation.
This included facilitating a trip to the pub and lunch at a community café. As a result, he has since visited the pub multiple times and recently watched a rugby match to cheer on Wales. "At one stage he probably thought he would never get to do it again," said Jaylee. "It's about opening their eyes to the opportunities and giving them the confidence to do it. He's a lot calmer now."
Infectious Enthusiasm and Relentless Dedication
Jaylee's journey into care was unexpected; she initially studied beauty at Cardiff and Vale College and was introduced to the sector by a friend. She found she thrived in the varied and non-repetitive nature of the work.
Her manager, Jane Davies, who nominated her for the award, praised her "relentless perseverance". "Jaylee 'never gives up' despite many hurdles getting in her way," Davies said. "I feel that Jaylee has morphed into her role with an enthusiasm which is infectious to everyone around her. I hope when I grow older I have someone just like Jaylee to support me."
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales which organises the awards, stated that the event highlights the "unsung heroes and heroines" of social care. He emphasised that the sector is "the glue that binds our communities together", both socially and economically.
A poignant moment during the ceremony saw Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, present an award, reflecting his long-standing support for the social care sector in Wales.
