National Care Oscar for Support Worker Barbara
Barbara Sharland, support worker at Glynhir and Pentwyn in Newport was announced as a winner in the prestigious Wales Care Awards on Friday 19th October.
A dedicated support worker who helped family members cope with learning difficulties growing up Barbara Sharland says there is nothing she wouldn’t do to enhance the lives of the six gentlemen in her care who live with a range of learning disabilities and complex needs.
She once signed up to a six-month weight-loss regime – losing more than a stone in weight – to offer one supported individual moral support and encouragement in his bid to lose weight and ride a horse for the first time.
Barbara, who lives Newport, with husband Richard, was recognised with a Silver Award in the Care Practitioner in Supported Living category.
The national awards, which are celebrating their 15th anniversary, are organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales which is also toasting 25 years of service in 2018. They acknowledge the hard work and exceptional performances of those in the care sector.
“I’m really proud, it’s the first time I’ve ever been nominated for an award and it’s nice to know the work we do is being noticed,” said Barbara.
“I’ve been here for 15 years now and I regard all of the men I support as family.
“I really feel like I was born to do this. There are learning difficulties in my family, with my aunt and uncle, and I always think about how I would like them to be supported and encouraged.
The men in her care range from 56 up to their late 70’s and live in supported accommodation in Caerleon with round-the-clock care. Barbara helps them cope with daily life which includes organising social activities and advising them on diet and nutrition. She also helps them to achieve their goals.
“I’m very lucky to work with these people. They teach me every day how to get on with life and not to let anything stop me from living my life,” she said.
Nominating Barbara for the award, Phil Mcfarlane, supported living manager, said: “Everything that Barbara does is through a person-centred approach that involves all people important to the individual, which helps ensure that choices made are appropriate for the person and have the best chance of success.”