Together WeCare Awards
Together with Swansea Council and Neath Port Talbot Council we are pleased to introduce the inaugural Together WeCare Awards, an exciting new ceremony to honour the highly skilled social care, childcare, play and early years workforce across the West Glamorgan region.
The awards aim to recognise outstanding achievements, celebrate best practices, and highlight the exceptional contributions made by professionals in these sectors. The event will be held on 13 March, 2026 at Swansea's Brangwyn Hall and is managed by JR Event Management.
Nominations are now open
Applications must be submitted online by 31 December 2025.
All 15 categories and criterias can be found below.
To nominate an individual, organisation or setting click here.
Terms and conditions of entry
Please read the terms and conditions before nominating.
What are the categories?
1. Outstanding care and compassion award
Criteria: Evidence empathy, kindness, emotional support shown to individuals and/or families. Examples of how: the nominee's care has improved someone's physical, emotional or mental wellbeing and/or has gone above and beyond, treating people with dignity and respect. Include feedback from peers, service users or families that highlight their compassionate approach. How the nominee's actions reflect the values of their organisation.
2. Building bright futures for children and families award
Criteria: Evidence of meaningful improvements in wellbeing, development or family support. Use of creative approaches, new ideas, or solutions that enhance outcomes for children and families. Demonstrated ability to work across teams, services, or communities to support families holistically. Commitment to empowering families, respecting diversity, and promoting inclusive practices. Actions that create lasting change or build capacity for future success. Positive feedback from children, families, or colleagues that highlights the nominee's impact.
3. Rising star award
Criteria: Clear signs of future leadership, innovation, or excellence in their field. Proactive attitude, eagerness to learn, and willingness to go above and beyond. Early contributions that have already made a difference to service users, or colleagues. Embodies care values such as exclusivity, compassion, and respect, especially in line with Welsh cultural and social priorities. Works well with others, contributes to a positive environment, and uplifts peers.
4. Inspirational leadership award
Criteria: Demonstrates a clear, values-driven vision and delivers meaningful outcomes for service users, or teams. Actively uplifts, mentors and empowers colleagues, fostering growth and confidence. Leads with empathy, integrity, and respect, especially in challenging circumstances. Promotes equality, cultural heritage, and the Welsh language in their leadership approach. Responds creatively to change, drives improvement, and encourages new ideas. Recognised by peers and teams as a role model whose leadership leaves a lasting impression.
5. Team of the year award
Criteria: Demonstrates outstanding teamwork, communication, and mutual support. Clear evidence of positive outcomes achieved through collective effort. Tackles challenges creatively and adapts to change as a unified team. Embodies values such as compassion, equality, and cultural respect, including Welsh language promotion. Fosters a positive inclusive environment that supports wellbeing and professional growth. Testimonials or endorsements that reflect the team's reputation and influence.
6. The dementia specialist award
Criteria: Demonstrates deep understanding of dementia and applies best practices in care and support. Priorities the individuals' identity, preferences, and dignity in every aspect of care. Introduces new ideas, tools, or approaches that enhance quality of life for people with dementia. Promotes understanding of dementia among colleagues families, or the wider community. Builds trust, connection, and emotional safety with those living with dementia. Integrates Welsh language, culture, and inclusive values into dementia care.
7. The employer award
Criteria: Demonstrates commitment to staff wellbeing, professional development, and a positive working environment. Embeds equality, diversity, and Welsh cultural values, including active promotion of the Welsh language. Invests in new approaches, continuous learning, and service development. Creates conditions that enable high-quality care and support for those they serve. Shows direction, responsiveness to challenges, and a clear commitment to sector excellence. Positive testimonials from staff, stakeholders, or service users that reflect the employer's reputation.
8. The inspirational volunteer award
Criteria: Consistently gives time and effort to support others, often going above and beyond. Evidence of meaningful contributions that improve lives or strengthen community connections. Demonstrates kindness, understanding and emotional support in their voluntary role. Takes proactive steps, inspires others, or leads voluntary efforts with creativity and care. Champions equality, cultural heritage, and Welsh language in their volunteering. Testimonials from those they've helped or worked with that highlight their inspirational qualities.
9. The care innovator award
Criteria: Introduces new ideas, tools, or approaches that challenge norms and improve care. Demonstrates measurable or observable improvements in wellbeing, access or outcomes. Inspires others, drives change and encourages adoption of innovative practices. Ensures innovations are inclusive and reflect Welsh language and cultural values. Shows potential for long-term success or wider application across the sector. Positive endorsements from peers, service users, or stakeholders.
10. Lifetime achievement award
Criteria: Demonstrates a sustained and significant impact over many years of service. Has inspired others, shaped practice, and contributed to sector-wide improvement. Embodies compassion, inclusivity, and cultural respect, including Welsh language and heritage. Has introduced or championed forward-thinking approaches that left a lasting mark. Supported the growth of others and helped build a stronger, more resilient workforce. Widely respected by peers, with endorsements that reflect their influence and character.
11. Learner of the year award
Criteria: Shows dedication to personal and professional development, often overcoming challenges. Demonstrates clear growth, skill development, or academic success. Applies new knowledge or skills to improve practices, support others, or drive change. Preserves through obstacles with a positive attitude and strong motivation. Embeds Welsh language, culture, or inclusive values in their learning journey. Positive testimonials from tutors, mentors, or colleagues that highlight their impact.
12. Welsh language and culture award
Criteria: Actively uses and encourages Welsh language in their role or setting. Embeds Welsh traditions, values, or heritage in practice, events or storytelling. Makes Welsh language and culture accessible and welcoming to all, regardless of background. Uses creative approaches to engage others with Welsh language and culture. Demonstrates how their efforts have strengthened cultural identity or community connection. Testimonials or endorsements that reflect the nominee's cultural influence and leadership
13. Together for equality award
Criteria: Demonstrates a clear and ongoing commitment to promoting equality in practice, policy, or culture. Actively includes and uplifts underrepresented voices, ensuring dignity and respect for all. Evidence of positive change resulting from equality approaches to improve access. Works with others to improve equality and shared responsibility. Integrates Welsh language and heritage as part of inclusive and equality practice.
14. Together WeCare international employer award
Criteria: Demonstrates active support for international workers cultural identities, language, traditions, and religious practices. Provides robust on-boarding, mentorship, and community building initiatives to help international staff settle and thrive. Offers training, career progression, and recognition tailored to international workers needs and aspirations. Adheres to ethical recruitment standards and ensures fair treatment, pay, and working conditions. Ensures international workers have platforms to share feedback, contribute ideas, and participate on decision making. Provides translation services, language training, or bilingual resources to support effective communication.
15. Together WeCare international employee award
Criteria: Demonstrates empathy, kindness, and culturally sensitive care in their daily work. Enriches the workplace through cultural hertiage, language, or traditions that foster inclusivity. Shows strength and flexibility in overcoming challenges related to relation, language, or integration. Builds strong relationships with colleagues, and contributes positively to team dynamics. Actively shares ideas, feedback, or advocates for others, helping shape a more inclusive environment. Demonstrates professional development, initiative, or a meaningful impact on service users or peers.
Sponsorship
For all enquirers, including sponsorship opportunities please contact either hello@jr-eventgroup.co.uk or sarah.taylor@swansea.gov.uk