Singing Elvis’ fan Paul all shook up after being shortlisted for top award

Singing Elvis fan Paul is all shook up after being shortlisted for top award

An Elvis fan is really the King so far as colleagues and residents at a Neath residential home are concerned.

In fact Paul Clement, from Swansea, who often performs his hero’s greatest hits is so highly thought of that he has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.

This year’s Wales Care Awards will be presented at a ceremony in City Hall, Cardiff, on October 19, and Paul, 52, has been nominated in the category for Commitment to Quality in Housekeeping and Hospitality.

This is the 15^th year of the awards, which are organized by Care Forum Wales to recognize exceptional work in the care sector.

For the past 24 years Paul, who lives in Skewen, has been a facilities assistant at the Plas Bryn Rhosyn Home in Heol Illtyd, and whilst he is extremely efficient at his job, which involves gardening and overseeing maintenance of the property, it is his willingness to go the extra mile which has earned him the nomination.

“He is not only happy to go the extra mile but does so with a great big smile on his face, often volunteering to go out of his way without being asked,” said registered manager Stuart Davies.

“Paul takes great pride in interacting with the residents and enjoys being able to sit, chat and laugh with them. This is important to him even though it isn’t necaessarily part of his role, and bringing joy to others is a skill that Paul has in abundance.”

He was recently nominated as “Employee of the Month” and on a recent training day at which staff were asked to select the person they felt most embodied the values of home owners Pobl – “positive, connected and considerate” – they unanimously chose Paul.

“He really is a great asset and ambassador for the home and in going above and beyond his remit he does so for the benefit of the residents,” added Stuart.

Paul, who has four grown-up children and one grandchild, said he was delighted to have been nominated for the award.

“It’s fabulous to be nominated but even better to know that one’s work is appreciated by one’s colleagues and the residents,” he said.

“The greatest satisfaction I get is from knowing I make a difference to people’s lives every single day and I’m really privileged that I can share their lives. Every single one has a story to tell, and I love spending time with them.”

He runs a gardening club for the residents and encourages them to enter a gardening competition run by Pobl.

He also helps to organize other social events at Plas Bryn Rhosyn including regular Elvis cabaret nights.

“I’m an Elvis fan and do perform occasionally on those occasions,” he said.

In his spare time Paul likes nothing better than to go beachcombing, especially at Rhossili and Oxwich Bay, looking out for driftwood which he converts into interesting objects for himself and friends.

He is now looking forward to the presentation ceremony at which he will be accompanied by his wife Pauline.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the Wales Care Awards had gone from strength to strength.

He said:

“This year’s ceremony is an even more special occasion because it marks the 15^th anniversary of the awards and the 25^th anniversary of Care Forum Wales. The event is now firmly established as one of the highlights in the Welsh social care calendar.

“The aim is to recognize the unstinting and often remarkable dedication of our unsung heroes and heroines across Wales.

“The care sector is full of wonderful people because it’s not just a job, it’s a vocation – these are the people who really do have the X Factor.

“If you don’t recognize the people who do the caring you will never provide the standards that people need and never recognize the value of the people who need the care in society.

“We need to do all we can to raise the profile of the care sector workforce – they deserve to be lauded and applauded,” he added.