Denbigh Town defender Billy Holmes nets major social care award

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A Denbighshire footballer has already picked up an honour even though the season hasn’t reached the halfway stage yet.

Though he has had successes on the field it was for his day-to-day work that Denbigh Town defender Billy Holmes won an award at the social care Oscars.

He was among the recipients of one of this year’s Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise exceptional work in the care sector.

The 31-year-old from Rhyl was presented with a bronze award in the category for Excellence in Leadership and Management in Community Based Services, which was sponsored by Cartref Ni and Hoop Recruitment.

The glittering ceremony at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel, sponsored by Ontex Healthcare, was hosted by TV and radio presenter Jason Mohammad.

Billy started working as a Support Worker for MHC (UK) Ltd in Denbigh in 2013 and over the years has progressed to Team Leader and Deputy Manager. He is now Registered Manager of Glasfryn and Garth, two homes accommodating individuals with learning disabilities and/or mental health problems.

As a teenager he studied Sports Performance and Excellence in Llandrillo College, After college Billy wasn’t sure what career path he wanted to follow, and a chance encounter where he was offered to see an MHC service was the start of his journey.

The left-back and central defender is still a regular in Denbigh Town’s JD Cymru North League side, but it is his talent as a Leader in care that has earned him the plaudits of his colleagues and residents.

He was nominated for the award by fellow Registered Manager Crystal Pritchard who said he had been a great support to her in seeking to provide a high standard of care, with full support of Gemma Jennings, the Director of Operations at MHC

“He always puts the residents he supports first, working in a person-centred approach, supporting each individual to live their best lives and supporting them to be empowered and confident,” Crystal said.

“He has fantastic relationships with everyone who comes into contact with his work and he is highly thought of by those who know him. He regularly makes sacrifices to provide the best support for residents, for example supporting them on overseas holidays.”

Following an unannounced inspection last year both Glasfryn and Garth received excellent feedback in terms of well-being, care and support and leadership and management, a tribute to Billy’s hard work and dedication.

Staff told inspectors: “It’s just a great service all-round, with it being led by someone who brings 100% every day.”

Gemma Jennings said “I am thrilled that Billy’s dedication, hard work and commitment was being recognised by the Awards, an excellent example of our MHC Values”.

Some of the improvements introduced by Billy have been adopted not only in MHC’s several other homes, but throughout Wales through Social Care Wales Forums.

He says he derives huge satisfaction from seeing the improvements brought to the residents’ lives.

“I just want to ensure that the residents lead the best lives that they can, with the best opportunities,” he said.

Mario Kreft, 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.”

In recent seasons Billy has played in key role in Denbigh Town establishing themselves as a Tier 2 club in the JD Cymru North League.

He was part of the 2022-23 squad which won the Ardal North West League and Ardal Northern Cup double and reached the FAW Amateur Trophy national final.