“There is nothing better than watching someone grow in independence.”
Lynne Whistance is the Inclusion & Assistive Technology Officer at Codi Group.
Combining a background in residential care management with cutting-edge assistive technology, 45-year-old Lynne develops – with the people she supports – solutions that break down barriers for individuals with disabilities. Her pioneering work has earned her a nomination for the Excellence in Innovation within the Independent Sector Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Lynne about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
My role is really varied, and no two days are ever the same. Service managers reach out to me when an individual faces a barrier to independence. I visit the service, chat with the individual, assess what has or hasn’t worked, and research technology or digital devices that can help them to overcome that challenge.
What do you love most about your work?
I am passionate about empowering people to live their best lives on their own terms. There is nothing better than watching someone grow in independence. I don’t see myself as creative but if there is a hurdle, I will do my best to find a way to get around it.
Could you share an example of an innovative breakthrough in your role?
An individual expressed a strong desire to self medicate. Meeting with the individual and colleague we set out learning what didn’t work in the past, and created a plan with milestones that everyone felt was achievable. We sourced a medication device, established a step-by-step milestone plan, and provided support. There were a few blips along the way, but the individual has now successfully transitioned to self-medicating.
What does being nominated for this award mean to you?
It is a lovely surprise and I feel honoured. I am privileged to work with so many incredible individuals that make my job so enjoyable and rewarding. There is nothing better than watching someone grow, living the life they want like you or I. Having started this role as a blank canvas, being supported by senior management to trial new technologies and research projects has been amazing.
Tell us about your life outside of work
I live in the countryside and love going on mountain walks with my Border Collie, Buddy. He gets nicknamed “Wallie Collie” because he tries to herd passing cars, but ironically, he completely ignores sheep!
“For me, the most fulfilling part is seeing people feel empowered to take an active role in their own health and wellbeing.”
Based in Cardiff, 46-year-old Dr Manmeet Kaur is a GP Partner at Pengam Health Centre and the CEO and Health and Wellbeing Lead for Unity in Health Cymru CIC.
Combining primary care with holistic, preventative health initiatives, Dr Kaur is dedicated to empowering individuals through breathwork, gentle movement, and community education. Her innovative approaches to bridging primary care and preventative wellbeing have earned her a nomination for the Excellence in Innovation within the Independent Sector Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Dr Kaur about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and what your day-to-day duties involve.
I am a GP Partner at Pengam Health Centre, where my day-to-day role involves caring for patients with a wide range of physical and mental health needs, supporting families, managing long-term conditions, and working closely with health and care professionals. Alongside my clinical role, I am also CEO and Health and Wellbeing Lead for Unity in Health Cymru CIC. A significant part of my work focuses on prevention and improving health through holistic approaches. I develop and deliver programmes combining breathwork, gentle movement, mindfulness, relaxation, and health education for communities, NHS staff, and medical students. My days are very varied – from seeing patients in general practice to delivering wellbeing programmes, training facilitators, teaching medical students, and supporting research.
What do you love most about the job you do?
What I love most is being able to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. As a GP, I have the privilege of supporting people through many different stages of their lives, building relationships with patients and families and looking beyond illness to understand the person as a whole. Through my wider wellbeing work, it is incredibly rewarding to see people learn practical tools such as breathing techniques and mindfulness, and then hear how these have helped them manage stress, feel calmer, sleep better, or cope with difficult periods. For me, seeing people feel empowered to take an active role in their own health is what continues to inspire and motivate me every day.
Can you share a standout moment or achievement from your work? Some of my proudest moments include receiving the NHS Wales Sustainability Award and the ABUHB Staff Recognition Award. Being recognised by my own Health Board was particularly meaningful, as it acknowledged how our work is reaching beyond the GP surgery and making a real difference in local communities. Seeing this work grow to reach people who may otherwise struggle to access support has been deeply rewarding. Being invited to the 10 Downing Street St David’s Day reception was another very special moment this year.
What does this nomination mean to you?
This nomination means a great deal to me. It feels like recognition of the difference our work is making in communities across Wales – supporting people experiencing stress, anxiety, and isolation, as well as carers, ethnic minority communities, refugees, job seekers, and NHS staff. Through our programmes, we have reached thousands of people and helped make practical wellbeing support more accessible locally. It is also recognition of the wonderful colleagues, volunteers, and partners who have helped this work grow, and it motivates me to continue reaching those who need support most.
Tell us about your interests and life outside of work
Outside my work as a GP and my involvement in health projects, I have a longstanding personal interest in yoga, breathwork, and meditation, which have been an important part of my life for many years. I am married and have two children, a son and a daughter – who has recently started university, which is an exciting new chapter for our family! I really value spending quality time with my family and friends, being in nature, and staying involved in community and voluntary work.
“I love giving residents every opportunity to live a fulfilled, joyful, and meaningful life, regardless of their age or physical limitations.”
Sheila Charles is the Lifestyles Team Lead at Shire Hall Care Home (Hallmark Luxury Care Homes) in Cardiff Bay.
Having worked at Shire Hall for 14 years, starting as a care assistant before moving on to leading the activity programmes, 64-year-old Sheila brings joy, creativity, and fulfilment to residents every day. Her imaginative lifestyle initiatives have earned her a nomination for the Excellence in Innovation within the Independent Sector Award at the Wales Care Awards 2026.
We asked Sheila about what motivates her in her role, and what this nomination means to her;
Tell us a bit about your role and how it originated.
I started at Shire Hall 14 years ago on the care team. I noticed several residents missed sewing, so I asked our General Manager if I could start a weekly sewing group. That expanded into cake decorating, arts, and eventually led to my role as Lifestyles Team Lead. Today, I create tailored lifestyle programmes that spark joy and keep residents active.
What do you love most about your job?
I love the opportunity to help residents live a fulfilled happy life.
Is there a standout moment in your work that you cherish?
Two that stand out were supporting a resident who used to ice-skate to get back onto the ice, and arranging for another resident to go sailing again.
What does this nomination mean to you?
I am so proud to be part of a great team and to contribute to providing the very best life for our residents every single day.
Tell us a bit about your family life outside of work.
My husband and I met as teenagers while working in a local hospital and have been happily married for nearly 40 years! We have two wonderful adult children, Victoria and William. My daughter has recently got an allotment, and this has quickly become a family interest. Everyone in the family enjoys being outside, walking, pottering in the garden, or just going for coffee.
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The Wales Care Awards are organised by Care Forum Wales to recognise and celebrate excellence across the social care sector in Wales.
The awards recognise individuals and organisations across a range of categories, celebrating the dedication, compassion, innovation and professionalism of those working in social care.
For further information, interviews or photographs, please contact: Rhian Richards Mobile: 07904965709 Email: rhianrelewis@gmail.com