A retail manager turned care worker who followed her heart into social care is celebrating national awards glory.

Liz Williams, 54, has scooped a coveted bronze award in the Care Practitioner category of this year’s Wales Care Awards 2018.

The award, sponsored by the Older People’s Commissioner, was one of a series of accolades presented to the best of the care industry at a glittering awards ceremony held at Cardiff City Hall.

Now in their 15th year, the national awards are organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales which is also toasting 25 years’ of service this year. Sponsored this year by Onyx Healthcare, they acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.

Liz, who has two sons’ aged 29 and 37 and lives in Ffrith, Wrexham, quit her retail management position 17 years ago to follow her passion and “give something back” to the community.

The mother-of-two, who works as a team leader for Lifeways Inclusive Lifestyles Ltd in Wrexham, hasn’t looked back since.

“I’m absolutely overwhelmed it’s amazing,” said the grandmother of three.

“It’s the first time I’ve achieved anything like this. I’m thrilled and just so excited.”

Liz, who attended Ysgol Maes Garmon in Mold, spent the first 15 years of her working life in retail management working for a number of stores including Ethel Austin’s Wrexham, Chester and Liverpool branches.

Desperate for a new challenge, she applied for a job as a senior support worker at Pendine Park residential home where she quickly rose through the ranks.

“Within a week of starting my first job in care I knew it was what I wanted to do,” she said.

“I’d never even contemplated it before. Everything just fell into place.

“I’d lost my motivation in retail and was getting no job satisfaction. How can you motivate a team if you have no motivation yourself?

“I wanted something that would enable me to give something back and feel that what I was doing was worthwhile.”

Liz was appointed to her current role 12 years ago which involves supporting a group of three men with complex physical and mental health needs including autism at a three-bedroom bungalow in Wrexham. As well as meeting their day-to-day living needs, she also supports them to set personal goals and achieve their dreams. This has involved helping one gentleman who found it stressful leaving the house. With the support of the team he now has the confidence to go out and try new activities.

“It’s so rewarding looking back over the last 12 years and seeing how far they’ve progressed,” she said.

“There were situations they couldn’t tolerate but now they’re so open to new experiences and are willing to try new things. It takes time, even years, before you get the end result but you still get there.

“I’ve learnt a lot from them. They’ve taught me how best to support people with learning difficulties, it’s a two-way stream.”

Nominating Liz for her award, Annette Hewitson, senior service manager, said: “Liz always encourages her clients to do as much as they can with their limitations. Her innovation helps to drive her clients to access and maintain life skills.”

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said: “There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists have receive a gold, silver or bronze Wales Care Award.

“I trust that they will continue to inspire those around them as role models and encourage others to aspire to even greater heights in the months and years to come.

“This awards ceremony is our opportunity to pay tribute and to celebrate the talent and commitment that is improving the quality of life for thousands and thousands of people throughout Wales.

“We take our hats off to them.”