A care worker diagnosed with autism at 29 has won a national social care award.

Henry Greenwood, who works at Llanerchrugog Hall Residential Care Home in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, was presented with a bronze award in the final of the Wales Care Awards 2024.

The awards, described as the 'Oscars' of the social care industry, are organised by Care Forum Wales.

They recognise the 'dedication and talents' of those in the care sector.

Mr Greenwood was nominated for the Residential Care Practitioner Award.

He received his prize at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jason Mohammad at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff.

Speaking about his award nomination, Mr Greenwood said:

"I just do my job - I don't do it for any praise or recognition.

"I'm genuinely happy that the residents always have a smile on their faces by the time I go home.

“There are lots of challenges for people in social care, I’ve seen them myself over the years.

"I just want to use my experience to be able to help the residents overcome these challenges as someone who can see it from their perspective.

“I firmly believe people should be able to live their lives to the fullness of their ability and if I can help them do that I will, to the best of my ability.

"People should be able to live a normal life.”

Mr Greenwood left school and started an engineering course at Havant and South Downs College in Hampshire, but soon felt a pull towards the care sector.

He said: "My dad was a teacher at a special school when I was growing up and I used to go with him on teacher training days.

"So, from a very young age, I saw the impact you can have on people's lives and how rewarding it is."

As a senior support worker, Mr Greenwood now cares for a diverse group of individuals aged 18 to 85 with a wide range of needs including dementia, autism, down syndrome, and post-stroke recovery.

He was nominated by his father, the care home's manager, Peter Greenwood, who said he 'shines brightest' in his direct interactions with the people he supports.

Mr Greenwood underwent tests and assessments earlier this year before being diagnosed with autism.

The father of two said the diagnosis had helped him understand himself better.

Mr Greenwood said: "For me, the diagnosis came late.

"Personally, I'd always known there was something there but having that diagnosis helped me to have more understanding about who I am and why I am the way I am."

One example of his determination to go above and beyond includes helping a resident fulfil his lifelong ambition to own a 'sit-on' lawnmower.

Mr Greenwood said: "He'd always been a gardening and machinery fanatic and during lockdown, he was itching to get out.

"He now keeps all the lawns at the home nice and tidy.

"It gave him purpose and a sense of pride over where he lived."

He also helped a young man in his care attain an 'extraordinary' level of independence, from learning to drive to completing a university degree, and helped to locate the grave of a resident's mother in his own time.

Mario Kreft MBE, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries were high.

He said: "There are only winners here tonight so it is only fitting that the finalists will 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."