A chef who cooked for members of the royal family and joined the care sector for a “complete change” when he hit middle age has scooped a bronze at the social care Oscars.

Simon Moore studied for a health and social care qualification at college then found a fresh recipe for success when he joined the Regard Group’s Cerrig Cornel supported living scheme in Llanegryn near Tywyn where he rose through ranks to become the registered domiciliary manager.

Along with his dedicated team he is now credited with bringing about a massive change in the service and it is his dedication and committed approach to his caring role that has landed 53-year-old Simon a bronze in prestigious national competition, 2018 Wales Care Awards.

This was the 15th anniversary of the awards and the glittering presentation ceremony was held at City Hall in Cardiff.

The awards, whose headline sponsor was Onyx Healthcare, are in association with Care Forum Wales, a not-for-profit organisation which is celebrating its own 25th anniversary this year after being set up in 1993 to give independent care providers a single professional voice with which to speak on one of the most important issues of our time – how to provide better quality care for those who need it most.

Simon took bronze in the Leadership and Management in Supported Living or Small Group Community Living Award sponsored by the Silvercrest Group.

Simon said: “When I reached middle age I thought it was time I did something completely different so I chose social care.

“It was a natural thing for me to go into social care and nine years ago I started at Cerrig Cornel as a part-time relief staff member. I gradually worked my way through the ranks and became registered domiciliary service manager two years ago.”

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