Llanrwst care boss gets gold award for 40 years service

THE tireless dedication and vision of a caring boss has been recognised with a national award.

Kevin Hughes, director of care and support services for Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, part of Pennaf Housing Group, recently won the Gold Award for Outstanding Service at the Wales Care Awards 2010.

Kevin, who lives in Llanrwst, is responsible for providing support services for vulnerable young homeless people in the Conwy Valley, Colwyn Bay and Llandudno, as well as overseeing services at Extra Care schemes and residential homes currently being developed in the area. He was nominated by Simon Doherty, Clwyd Alyn’sŠ senior residential homes manager.

Simon Doherty said: “Reflecting on Kevin’s career it is clear that he continues to have an impact at all levels, from the organisational, strategic and national level, but always with an eye on the impact for the individual receiving services.”

Kevin, who started work as a care assistant in Bryn Y Neuadd Hospital in Llanfairfechan in 1972,Šhas extensive experience throughout the sector and joined the Pennaf Housing Group in 1998 as director of care and support services for Clwyd Alyn Housing Association, helping some of the most vulnerable in society.

Kevin commented on his award saying: “I am absolutely thrilled to win this award. I am really very lucky to have had such a fulfilling, rewarding career myself, so I’m really passionate about helping others to live fulfilling lives too.

“Being non-judgemental and respecting individuals is really at the heart of who I am as a person, as well as what I do as a career, and I think that shapes the services we provide.

“Those of us who work in the care and support sectors do not do so with the thought of winning awards, and I am deeply touched and humbled to have been honoured in such a way,” he added.

Kevin was presented with the award by Gwenda Thomas AM, the Welsh Assembly Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, at a glittering ceremony in Cardiff which was hosted by BBC journalist Jason Mohammed.