A former chef can now boast a “silver service” after a switch in careers.
Just 12 months after his change of roles Karl Houldsworth from Prestatyn picked up a prestigious award in the 2011 Wales Care Awards in a ceremony at Cardiff City Hall.
The awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to highlight excellence in the care sector and Karl, who was nominated in the category for Exceptional Newcomer, received a silver award. The category was sponsored by Linc Cymru.
After leaving school he trained as a chef and then worked at Rhos-on-Sea Golf Club, but it was always his ambition to join the care sector. His mother, Elaine Blears, worked for the St Asaph-based provider Cartref Ni and Karl joined the company in September 2010.
“I enjoyed being a chef but I always had it in the back of my mind that I would become a carer,” he said.
He works in a supported living project, in which a small team supports two men living in their own home, and Karl is responsible for helping them to fulfil an active life within their own community.
He was nominated for the award by his colleagues, supported by his manager Tracy Peers who spoke highly of his attitude to the job and his special qualities.
“The difference Karl has made in seven months to the lives of two very different gentlemen with very different support needs has been outstanding,” she said.
Describing him as “a natural”, she said: “The team that Karl works with is excellent, so the fact that they recognise and acknowledge the special qualities he brings is exceptional. He is a young man with limited experience, and it is therefore even more impressive that he is so aware of how to work in a person-centred way, treating each person as an individual, respecting and maintaining their dignity and promoting their independence.”
In his spare time Karl plays golf at Rhos-on-Sea and Meliden – he has a handicap of 14 – and also darts.
Health Minister Lesley Griffiths AM, who presented the awards, paid tribute to the work of Care Forum Wales in promoting dignity in care.
She said: ” It’s a time to recognise the excellent work that is taking place across Wales and an opportunity to shine a light on this practice so that others can see and follow.
“Tonight is an opportunity to recognise all those who have been nominated, to recognise all of your commitment and efforts and to recognise your impact on others.
“The celebration of the achievements of all of you who make a day to day impact on the lives of older people and how in everything you do you ensure that their dignity is at the heart of everything that you do.”
Mario Kreft, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said there was a record number of nominations and the standard was extremely high.
He added: “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 all.”
