A FORMER businesswoman who opened her family home to care for vulnerable adults with severe mental health issues has won a top 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.
Karen, who was born in Bebington, Wirral, and has two grown-up daughters, has now become the toast of the social care industry with a gold award in the final of this year’s 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 triumphed in the Supported Living or Small Group Community Living Care Practitioner Award, sponsored by Citation & All Care
She received her award at a glittering ceremony at Holland House Hotel in Cardiff which was hosted by radio and TV presenter Jason Mohammad.
Karen said: “It was very inspiring. To be honest, I was swept away by the whole experience. I’m very used to doing what I do and being in the shadows, then all of a sudden, the spotlight shines with lots of people saying wonderful things!
“Initially, when they rang me to tell me I was through to the final, I thought they had got the wrong person! I spent a few minutes trying to talk them out of it, asking are you sure you have the right person?
“The whole event was lovely. It was nice to speak to so many lovely people, all gathered under one roof – people who work for the good of other people.”
Nine years ago, Karen 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. Since living with her Karen, the individual has gone on to make huge improvements in personal development and self-care, and now has a thriving social life.
Bangor University graduate Karen, who is a qualified counsellor and holds an array of professional qualifications in mental health and social care including cognitive behavioral therapy, was nominated for the award by Lucie Williams, Wales Service Manager for PSS, and her colleagues.
Among her many 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.
Karen, who lives with her husband Nick Jackson, 74, explained: “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.
“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.”
Karen started her professional career as volunteer for Community Action Wirral, getting involved in projects such as a children’s play group in Moreton and volunteering in wards with elderly people at St Catherine’s Hospital in Tranmere, Birkenhead (now called St Catherine’s Health Centre). After undertaking secretarial studies, she went on to work for the Wirral Autistic Society (now called Autism Together) supporting people with varying degrees of autism before launching her own business in 1989 with a full staffing team.
She said: “My only virtue is patience. I think all the different things I’ve done over many years has actually helped me to build a reservoir of coping strategies to help other people.
“I’ve been working in social care since I was 19, that’s where I’m happiest – working with people. It’s really nice to know the work I do is valued.”
Mario Kreft MBE, chairman of Care Forum Wales, said the standard of entries was extremely high.
He added: “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 and 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.”