Opera star Sir Bryn Terfel has launched a search to find the unsung heroes of social care in Wales.
Entries are being sought for the 2025 Wales Care Awards to honour the skill and devotion of people who work in care homes and home care companies looking after vulnerable people.
One of the awards is the Sir Bryn Terfel Foundation Award for promoting the Arts in Social Care.
The world-renowned bass baritone is calling for nominations for all the other categories as well as the one that bears his name.
Other categories include those to recognise care practitioners, nurses, chefs, excellence in dementia, promoting fulfilled lives and outstanding service.
This year's event will take place at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, on Friday, October 17.
The deadline for nominations is Wednesday, April 30.
All finalists will win either gold, silver or bronze awards.
Sir Bryn said:
“I am in awe of the dedicated heroes who work on the front line of social care so I am always keen to sing their praises.
“They are our national treasures, sometimes overlooked but never by the people who rely on their vital services, and we should always cherish and appreciate their immense contribution.
“The Wales Care Awards exists to raise awareness of the brilliant job done by this army of unsung heroes who do such a wonderful job in communities right across Wales.
“I am particularly delighted that there is a specific award to recognise the importance of the arts in social care settings and the difference it makes in enhancing the quality of life for those receiving care services and the wonderful people who provide care for them.
“I would also urge people to think who they would like to nominate in any of the other categories at the 2025 Wales Awards.”
The awards were founded by Mario Kreft MBE, the chair of Care Forum Wales, to recognise the “fantastic work” of front line staff and promote excellence in the social care sector.
He said:
“Anyone involved in the social care sector can nominate an individual or a team for an award.
“So whether you’d like to nominate an outstanding nurse, think your catering team are unsung heroes or you have a hard-working manager whose efforts deserve recognition, this is a chance to have your say.
“Attending the ceremony is also an occasion to mingle with fellow social care sector staff, compare best practice and, of course, to have some well-deserved fun. So come along and enjoy the evening – this is your time to shine.
“If you don’t recognise the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognise the value of the people who need the care in society.
“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded.
“We are looking forward to another fantastic occasion during which these dedicated men and women can enjoy their well-deserved moment in the sun.”
For more details about the categories and to make a nomination for the 2025 Wales Care Awards visit here.
