A FORMER businesswoman who opened her family home to care for vulnerable adults with severe mental health issues has been shortlisted for a national award.

Grandmother-of-two Karen Jackson, who lives in Colwyn Bay, became a Shared Lives carer for PSS 17 years ago, putting to good use decades of experience in health and social care roles.

The 61-year-old, who ran her own business providing activities in nursing and residential homes across North Wales for more than 10 years, originally offered short respite breaks for individuals with mental health difficulties before moving on to become a full-time Shared Lives carer in 2015.

READ MORE:

Maintenance works to cause A55 closures – where and when

Nine years ago, she welcomed a man with highly complex mental health needs into her family home and has since helped to transform every area of his life, building his confidence, self-esteem and social skills by providing an environment where he feels safe, protected and nurtured.

She has also supported a woman for the past 12 months who requires intensive emotional and practical support to help her cope with a range of mental health issues.

The individual has gone on to make huge improvements in personal development and self-care, and now has a thriving social life.   

Karen, who was born in Bebington, Wirral, and has two grown-up daughters, is now in the running for a top industry award after making the final of the Wales Care Awards 2024.

Supported by lead sponsor Ontex Healthcare, and organised by care industry champions Care Forum Wales, the awards recognise the outstanding work of those in the care sector.

Karen is shortlisted for the Supported Living or Small Group Community Living Care Practitioner Award, sponsored by Citation & All Care.

The winners will be announced at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff on Friday, October 18, hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.

Bangor University graduate Karen, who is a qualified counsellor and holds an array of professional qualifications in mental health and social care including cognitive behavioural therapy, was nominated for the award by Lucie Williams, Wales Service Manager for PSS, and her colleagues.

Among her strengths is going “above and beyond” to give the people she supports a voice, a loving and nurturing home and the dignity they deserve – crucial tools in helping them to live fulfilled and happy lives.

“I do love what I do. It’s like someone giving you lots of broken pieces and you’re basically reassembling piece by piece, installing confidence through praise,” said Karen, who lives with her husband Nick Jackson, 74.

“One of the first things the gentleman I support asks for every morning is a hug and it lets him know how much he’s cared for and wanted - these are things he never had. You’re building from the ground up.

“I took both the individuals I support on a cruise this year. To see the gentleman dressing himself for dinner in a suit and looking the part is absolutely lovely. He has a really good life now.

“He has friends and he’s part of a family. I do get a lot out of these changes, and I feel very privileged that I’m able to work with someone to help them reach their full potential and grow and bloom.”