North Wales had plenty to celebrate at this year’s Social Care Wales Accolades, with an impressive four of the seven award categories won by individuals and organisations from across the region. The Social Care Wales Accolades recognise, celebrate and share excellent practice in social care, childcare, play and early years across Wales.

Effective use of digital and technology

Winner: “Seeing is Believing”, Isle of Anglesey County Council

The innovative “Seeing is Believing” project is helping to transform understanding of trauma and early childhood experiences through immersive virtual reality technology. Available in both Welsh and English and developed using local data, the VR content explores topics including adverse childhood experiences, adoption, child sexual exploitation, knife crime, autism awareness and domestic violence. The project enables young people, families and professionals to better understand how these experiences can influence behaviour, helping to build empathy, resilience and more trauma-informed approaches to support. Across Anglesey’s public and third sectors, it is used to train professionals in responding therapeutically to trauma-related behaviour, while in schools and youth clubs it encourages reflection, personal growth and greater understanding among young people.

Inspirational Leadership Award

Winner: Melvin Jones, Service Manager, Regulated Services for Children at Flintshire County Council

Melvin Jones, Service Manager for Regulated Services for Children at Flintshire County Council, was recognised for his outstanding leadership and commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable children and young people. Through his vision and dedication, Flintshire has developed high-quality in-house residential services that enable children in care to remain closer to their families, communities and support networks. Colleagues describe Mel as an inclusive and empowering leader who brings out the best in others, while children and young people value his kindness, compassion and willingness to listen.

“Mel’s sound. He has a kind personality; he’s made time for me, taking me out to go to the shop and to go for cake and he’s a really good listener.”

Under his leadership, Flintshire’s children’s homes have achieved excellent Care Inspectorate Wales ratings and are now sharing good practice with organisations across Wales.

Supporting people to live the life that matters to them

Winner: Mencap Môn, Llwybrau Llesiant, Conwy Connect and STAND North Wales Collaboration

This inspiring partnership brings together four organisations to provide bilingual support and community-based opportunities for people with learning disabilities across North Wales!

By working collaboratively and sharing resources, they have expanded access to support and created more opportunities for people to connect, socialise and try new activities. People with learning disabilities are at the heart of the partnership, helping to co-produce and lead activities that promote independence, inclusion and meaningful participation in their communities.

• Mencap Môn: https://mencapmon.com/
• Llwybrau Llesiant: https://www.llwybraullesiant.cymru/
• Conwy Connect: https://www.cc4ld.org.uk/
• STAND North Wales: https://www.standnw.org/

WeCare Wales award

Winner: Maxine Carr, Care and Support Worker, Denbighshire County Council

Maxine Carr was recognised for her dedication to improving the lives of residents at Nant y Môr Extra Care in Denbighshire. Through organising a wide range of social events and activities, she has helped create a strong sense of community, reducing isolation and bringing residents, families and local people together. One resident said:

“The events have brought me out of my shell and given me more confidence socialising with others.”

Maxine has created a real sense of well-being and connection across the community, with residents, family members, friends, neighbours and staff all looking forward to her events. Her commitment, creativity and compassion have had a lasting impact on the confidence and wellbeing of those she supports, making her a worthy winner of the WeCare Wales Award.

Congratulations to all the winners!

These awards showcase the incredible talent, innovation and dedication that exists across North Wales. We are delighted to see organisations and individuals from the region receiving national recognition for their achievements.

Find out more about the 2026 Accolades: https://socialcare.wales/the-accolades/2026-accolades

Watch the awards ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/live/AO46a1CzrXc