Inspiring Simon overcomes redundancy to be in the running for top care award

Inspiring Simon overcomes redundancy to be in the running for top care award

A Cardiff man who discovered a whole new career as a carer following a double redundancy blow is now in line for a top national award.

After 20 years working in retail, Simon James, 46, was left wondering what his future held when he lost his job with Woolworths and then high street video retailer Blockbusters, both within the space of four years.

But he was given hope after spotting an advert for a care-giver with Cardiff-based care agency, Home Instead, which supports elderly people in their own homes across Cardiff, Penarth, Barry and Dinas Powys.

Four years on and Simon, who lives in Thornhill, has just been shortlisted as a finalist at the prestigious 2018 Wales Care Awards, which aims to reward outstanding work in the social care sector.

He has been nominated in the category for Promoting Fulfilling Lives sponsored by Boots Healthcare for his work as a care giver for elderly people in and around Cardiff and on October the 19th, he will attend the glittering ceremony at the City Hall in Cardiff.

Simon said:

“When I was made redundant, it was hard but then I saw some adverts for care and decided I should just give it a go. I did it on a whim and as a chance to do something totally different, not realising I would find my vocation.

“It’s also shown me that after 20 years in retail, I could do other things. I simply love my job and I honestly have never been able to say that before. Redundancy doesn’t have to be the end of everything, it can be the start of something special.”

Cardiff-born Simon was nominated by his care manager, Gemma Williams, who said:

“Since the first week Simon came to work for Home Instead, it was obvious that he truly cares for the people he visits and treats his clients in the way he would like his own loved ones to be cared for.”

Simon works to help his clients to stay independent in their own home and so popular is he with his colleagues, he has now been asked to mentor new caregivers joining Home Instead.

Mario Kreft MBE, the Chair of Care Forum Wales, said:

“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.

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