A full-time carer from Cardiff has won the Outstanding Achievement Award at the prestigious Advancing Healthcare Awards (AHA) Cymru.
Alex Pawson was recognised at the annual awards which celebrate the work of Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Healthcare Scientists across Wales and took place in Sophia Gardens earlier this month.
Alex was nominated in the category for an AHP or healthcare science apprentice, support worker, assistant or associate for his work at Ludlow Street Healthcare. Specifically, his time at Conway House community home and Pinetree Court Hospital services where he helped provide person-centred care for service users with learning disabilities, behaviours that challenge, and/or mental illness.
During the pandemic, when many service users were isolated or anxious, Alex quickly found creative ways of occupying them and providing much needed structure to their days.
Alex helped set-up an academy encouraging service users to engage in meaningful and personal activities each morning and afternoon and established a street art project where he and service users designed a mural to refresh the garden. Alongside this, he facilitated art classes, guitar lessons, cooking sessions, and even an African drumming circle.
Alex said: “Although I joined Ludlow Street Healthcare with no direct care experience, I quickly realised that with my interest in art and music, I had something unique which I could bring to the role.
“It has been a pleasure sharing my passion with service users and seeing them respond positively to music and art, even igniting their own interest, has been a joy.”
Julie Nolloth, Hospital Director at Pinetree Court, said: “Throughout the pandemic, Alex was a key member of the team keeping everyone positive and occupied. He has created some beautiful pieces of artwork with our patients and has run engaging sessions for those that have never had an opportunity to be artistic or creative before.
“Alex’s creativity and kindness extended out into the community too, forming strong links with other groups and creating amazing pieces of artwork which you may spot around the Cardiff area.
“He is the true embodiment of a person and relationship-centred approach and is a role model for the rest of the team. Congratulations Alex on another fantastic achievement – we couldn’t think of anyone more deserving of this award.”
Set up in 2005 by healthcare specialists, Ludlow Street Healthcare provides transition-focused healthcare and bespoke step-down services, including specialist assessment, treatment, rehabilitation, and education, throughout Wales and the south west of England. The organisation has developed a reputation for its person-centred approach, community-focused settings and specialist staff.
Since its inception, Ludlow Street Healthcare has supported and cared for over 800 people. For over a decade, it has worked in partnership with the NHS, developing services and investing in the necessary health infrastructure and staff training, to support patients on their journey to recovery and a more independent and fulfilling life, through step-down to community living – improving social integration and inclusion.