A HEALTHCARE professional from Barry has been honoured at the Oscars of the Social Care world.

Sarah Jackson, who is currently on maternity leave from the Cardiff-based Ludlow Street Healthcare, was named Social Care Health and Safety Gold winner at the Welsh Care Awards.

New mum Sarah, who lives at Churchfields, Barry, said: "It was an amazing and lovely, lovely night.

“There were some amazing stories and it was nice to see so many people there all sharing the same cause. I’ve never won anything in my life before so I was completely surprised and happy to be named Gold winner, an award that was as much for my team as for me.”

In her role as estates manager Sarah is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of Ludlow Street’s existing three hospitals, 14 community homes and a residential college that provide specialist care, education and treatment services for individuals with complex and enduring mental health needs.

She was nominated for her award by Ludlow Street development director Christine Lovell, who was also a winner at the event, being named joint Gold recipient in the Outstanding Service category.

Ms Lovell said: “We miss her while she is on leave but she is always on the end of the phone if there is a matter of some urgency to resolve and she always delivers

“Sarah is a very hands-on person but she also has the skills to work with our service users when she goes on the units and she’s always got a very warm, kind and professional approach to them.

“She goes the extra mile and she understands the delicate balance between making homes and hostels safe with trying to make the environment as homely and personal as possible."

Speaking at the awards ceremony, which was hosted by BBC Wales newsreader Lucy Owen, the Chair of Care Forum Wales Mario Kreft said: “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.”