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A Blackwood couple who have dedicated their lives to caring for vulnerable adults have won a national award.

Neil and Jillian Powell have spent the last 29 years involved in the South East Wales Shared Lives Scheme, and have cared for three people in that time.

Now, their commitment has been recognised with Wales Care Award. The couple won in the Excellence in Learning Disability and Mental Health category.

Neil, 67, and Jill, 66, were originally nominated for the award in 2019. However, before they could be interviewed, Neil fell off a ladder and broke his arm, leading to two weeks in hospital – depriving them of a chance to win the award.

The award ceremony was held on October 21 at City Hall, Cardiff, and was hosted by radio presenter Wynne Evans.

Speaking of the ceremony, Jill said: “It was an absolutely fabulous evening. It was lovely to hear what was said about us and to know that what we do is appreciated by so many.

“The event also opened our eyes to what other people in the care sector are doing.”

The couple were nominated for the award by Shared Lives worker Shaun Nicholls, who said: “It’s not a job for Neil and Jill but a vocation.

“They are kind, positive and proactive carers, dedicated to enriching the lives of the three individuals they support in their home.”

He added: “It has been a privilege to work alongside them and be able to witness at first-hand the high quality care and support they provide on a daily basis. The phrase ‘above and beyond’ is the most appropriate to describe their work.”

But despite nearly three decades of caring, the couple have no plans to stop any time soon.

“We’ll carry on as long as we can, and we hope that those in our care get as much out of it as we do,” said Jill. 

The story about their nomination was published by Caerphilly Observer last month – with the couple told by their son, Rhys, who lives in Australia.

“A friend of his, who lives in Blackwood, read about it and told Rhys he’d read about us. Until then we didn’t know the article had appeared,” said Jill.

Mario Kreft, chairman of Care Forum Wales – which organises the awards – said: “Our finalists are the best of the best and are here representing the whole social care workforce who all deserve a big pat on the back.”