A RESIDENTIAL support worker from Flintshire is in the running for an award.

Kate Mellor, who works at QEWC Bryn Tirion Hall, has been chosen as one of the five finalists for the inaugural WeCare Wales award.

The award is part of the Accolades - awards organised by Social Care Wales that recognise, celebrate and share excellent social care and early years in Wales.

QEWC team leader Curtis Baines, who nominated Kate, said: "Kate deserves recognition for the work she does on a shift-by-shift basis with her key child.

"From day one, when her child came into residence, Kate has remained a consistent and key figure to her, and her most important role model/guardian.

"Kate’s key child has no family she is in contact with and is effectively in this country alone.

"Kate’s key child has been resident in the UK since the age of 11 and within a short time went into care.

"Following a challenging year with multiple placement breakdowns, she came to reside with us.

"For the past three years, Kate has built this very scared child’s confidence and transformed her into a strong, independent and confident teenager.

"Kate’s bond with her key child is something truly special, and as her manager, I couldn’t be more proud to witness such selfless, amazing work."

The WeCare Wales award is new for 2020 and is the first time the Accolades have recognised and celebrated individual care workers.

It is aimed at paid care workers or volunteers who work in social care or early years in Wales, who make a positive difference to people’s lives and help them achieve what matters to them.

More than 70 care workers were nominated for the award and a panel of four judges whittled the nominees down to five finalists.

Social Care Wales is now asking members of the public to vote for the care worker they think should win the first WeCare Wales award.

Voting is open until Friday, October 16 and the winner will be announced at a virtual Accolades awards ceremony on November 10.

To find out more about the five finalists and take part in the public vote, visit: socialcare.wales/service-improvement/the-accolades-2020#section-37361-anchor