A SENIOR care worker in Conwy has been named the winner of the 2024 Caring in Welsh award at an event at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod.

Elain Fflur Morris, of Cartref Bryn yr Eglwys, won the award at an annual event organised by Social Care Wales.

The award recognises and celebrates paid workers providing excellent care and support through the medium of Welsh.

The worker doesn’t need to be a fluent Welsh speaker, as long as they use the language when they provide care and support.

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This year, five individuals from across Wales were chosen as finalists for the award by an expert panel of judges.

The winner was chosen by a public vote, in which more than 5,100 people voted.

Elain was nominated for the award by Meryl Welsby, registered nurse manager at Cartref Bryn yr Eglwys. 

Meryl nominated Elain for her work supporting Cartref Bryn yr Eglwys’s residents – 75 per cent of whom are first language Welsh speakers – to live their lives through the medium of Welsh. 

Elain often acts as a translator for healthcare workers and residents and their families, and her popular daily Welsh language recreational and cultural activities for residents have also helped reduce loneliness and anxiety.

She was revealed as the winner at a lunchtime event at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd by Social Care Wales’ chief executive, Sarah McCarty.

Sarah said: “Many congratulations to Elain and all our highly commended finalists.

“Being able to receive care and support from someone who can speak your language is an important part of receiving dignified, high-quality care.

“This year’s award has given us some fantastic examples of inspiring and dedicated workers who are providing excellent care through the medium of Welsh and the positive impact this can make to people’s lives. 

“We’d encourage all social care workers to use the Welsh they have at work, and we have lots of resources to help you develop and improve your Welsh to support the provision of social care services in individuals’ language of choice.”