After more than two decades of dedicated service, a beloved activities coordinator from a Barry care home has been honoured with a top award for her exceptional work in enriching the lives of residents.
Two Decades of Dedication and Joy
Linda Campbell, a familiar and friendly face at Springbank Nursing Home in Barry, was presented with the Bronze award in the Outstanding Service Award category at the prestigious Wales Care Awards. Often described as the 'Oscars of social care', the event was organised by Care Forum Wales and the ceremony was held at Cardiff's Holland House Hotel, sponsored by Meddyg Care.
Linda, who is 60 years old, began her career as a carer over 20 years ago and now works as the home's activities coordinator, supporting all 58 residents. Her mission has always been to enrich lives not just physically, but emotionally, through a vibrant programme of activities.
The Heartbeat of the Home
From organising sing-alongs, story time, and quizzes to planning beach trips and birthday surprises, Linda is known for her boundless energy and infectious positivity. She is famously willing to dance and sing, badly by her own admission, if it brings a smile to someone's face.
"We play bingo, do quizzes, and have entertainers come in. I'll sing and dance with the residents - I'm definitely not the best performer, but if it lifts their mood, I'll happily make a fool of myself," Linda said.
For more reserved residents, she ensures quieter, personalised moments, such as reading stories, playing hand games, or simply offering companionship. "Even if I don't get much of a response, I can often see the smile. And that's enough for me," she added.
Recognition for an Unsung Hero
Springbank's manager, Navjit Kaur, who nominated Linda for the award, described her as 'the heartbeat of the home'. "Linda is the kind of person who doesn't just do the job - she brings it to life," said Kaur. "Whether she's decorating rooms for birthdays or supporting physiotherapy exercises, her dedication, kindness, and empathy shine through every day. She is an inspiration."
Linda's thoughtful approach begins from the moment a new resident arrives, using the 'My World' booklet to understand each individual's likes, dislikes and life story, shaping their care experience around what truly matters to them.
Despite her profound impact, Linda describes herself as 'just doing her job' and said the recognition means the world. "You don't do this work for awards - you do it because you care. But to know you've made a difference, that's really special," she commented before the ceremony.
Mario Kreft MBE, chair of Care Forum Wales, said the awards shine a light on the 'unsung heroes and heroines' of social care. A special moment of the evening was when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, presented an award, reflecting his long-standing support for the sector.
