Care Forum Wales has announced the finalists for the prestigious Wales Care Awards 2026 taking place this Friday (16 Oct).
Established in 2006, the Wales Care Awards remain the pinnacle of recognition for social care professionals in Wales. The annual awards celebrate the dedication, compassion, clinical excellence, and innovation of individuals and teams who bring warmth, dignity, and independence to thousands of people every single day.
Nikki Newson, from Llanelli, has been nominated for the Excellence in Mental health and Wellbeing award, recognising the real difference she makes in people’s lives, and the work she puts in to ensuring people’s recovery during difficult moments in their lives. Nikki said;
“What makes this nomination particularly special is knowing that the work we do every day can make a real difference.
“Sometimes it is the smallest achievements that mean the most – seeing someone regain their confidence, develop their independence, achieve a personal goal, rebuild relationships or simply believe in themselves again.”
Social care is one of the largest workforces in Wales, employing over 84,000 people – representing roughly 6% of the nation’s entire workforce, which is larger than that of the NHS Wales.
Despite being foundational to community wellbeing and the NHS, Social Care Wales’s registered workforce survey indicates that over 40% of care workers consider leaving the sector within five years, predominantly citing low pay, intense pressure, and feeling undervalued. Recognising these workers not only celebrates an essential sector, but positively counters retention challenges in a workforce that Wales is projected to need tens of thousands more of by 2030.
From frontline support workers and registered nurses to chefs, maintenance staff, and executive leaders, the 2026 finalists represent the extraordinary breadth and high standards of care delivered across Welsh communities.
Melanie Minty, CEO of Care Forum Wales, said;
“Social care could not achieve our shared ambitions for the people of Wales without its dedicated, skilled and compassionate workforce. Every day, care workers bring warmth, dignity and kindness to the people they support, often making an extraordinary difference in quiet and deeply meaningful ways.
“The Wales Care Awards are as important and inspiring today as they were when they were first established in 2006. They remain a proud celebration of excellence, compassion and commitment across the social care sector.”
The awards encompass a wide range of categories designed to reflect every aspect of the social care sector, including; Exceptional Newcomer Award, Care Practitioner Award, Independent Nurse of the Year, Excellence in Dementia Care, Excellence in Mental Health and Wellbeing, Excellence in Palliative & End of Life Care, and Excellence in Catering. Three special awards will be announced on the night; The Craig Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award, Dignity in Care Award and Spirit of Care Award.
Melanie Minty continued;
“The social care sector in Wales employs tens of thousands of skilled workers whose contribution is vital to community wellbeing and the wider healthcare economy. Congratulations to all of the nominees and finalists.
Head Judge of Wales Care Awards, Mathew Jones, said;
“The Wales Care Awards allows us to honour the many unsung heroes and heroines whose compassion, resilience and dedication enrich lives every day. It is a privilege to help recognise their contribution, and I look forward to seeing their vital work celebrated for many years to come.
“My message to each of this year’s nominees and finalists is that the care, commitment and hard work they demonstrate every day remain essential to our sector. Whatever the outcome of the awards, this recognition reflects the dedication they bring to their work and the positive difference they make to the lives of others.”
Winners will be announced this Friday (16th October) at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, bringing together care professionals, sector leaders, and supporters from across the nation.
