Lucy Cummings from PLANED has taken the top award in the recent West Wales Health & Social Care Awards, held at Parc yr Scarlets by the Regional Partnership Board.

With many winners from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire recognised for their work in this key sector, Lucy had to wait for the final award category to be announced, and faced tough competition for the title of Outstanding Contribution.

The PLANED project on Micro Enterprises and Catalysts for Care, which enables people to obtain support to continue to live in their own homes, began in 2020 in Pembrokeshire.  Working in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, three local authorities as well as third sector agencies, PLANED has since expanded the project to Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Lucy joined PLANED in 2023 and has enabled the project in Carmarthenshire to build. More than 25 new micro enterprises in health and social care have been supported to be set up in the first 12 months alone.

Iwan Thomas, Chief Executive of PLANED, said:

“Lucy has brought fresh energy and, with the wider support of the PLANED team, has drawn upon existing contacts as the organisation continues to build and strengthen its regional support for communities by working in partnership.”

Lucy, who was nominated by colleagues at Carmarthenshire County Council, was presented with her award by interim Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board Judith Hardisty.

Lucy said:

“I am so proud to be part of the PLANED Catalyst for Care project, offering people choice and control over the care they have, and our fantastic Micro Enterprises. Thank you to the Commissioning Team at Carmarthenshire County Council for all of their support, and to everyone involved in our project. I am so blessed and love the work I do, alongside amazing people and services supporting our communities.”