Henry Greenwood, a senior support worker from Wrexham, is celebrating a significant achievement after securing a prestigious award at the Wales Care Awards 2024. The awards, known as the “Oscars” of the social care industry, recognize outstanding individuals in the care sector and are supported by Ontex Healthcare and organized by Care Forum Wales. Greenwood, aged 29 and recently diagnosed with autism, received the Bronze Award for Residential Care Practitioner at a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Jason Mohammad at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel.
Having been raised in Portsmouth before relocating to Wales a decade ago, Greenwood has been a dedicated employee of Llanerchrugog Hall Residential Care Home, part of LifeLongLearning4Living Ltd, where he supports residents with a wide array of needs, including dementia, autism, and Down syndrome. His father, Peter Greenwood, who is the manager of Llanerchrugog Hall, nominated him for the award, praising his compassionate interactions with residents. “Henry shines brightest when he’s directly involved with the people he supports,” said Peter.
Henry’s journey in the care field started over 12 years ago, guided by a desire to help those who might otherwise struggle to find their voice. Diagnosed with autism earlier this year, Henry shared that the diagnosis provided clarity about his own experiences and motivations. “I’d always felt a bit different but never had an explanation for it,” he explained. “Now I understand why I’m so drawn to supporting vulnerable people.”
Reflecting on the recognition, Henry expressed humility: “I was a bit taken aback, to be honest. I don’t do this job for praise; I do it to make a difference. It’s rewarding to see residents smile by the end of the day, knowing I played a part in making that happen.”
Henry’s commitment to his work goes beyond routine care. He has helped residents achieve personal milestones, from finding a long-lost grave to helping a young resident learn to drive and complete a university degree. In another instance, he supported a resident’s dream of owning a sit-on lawnmower, a gesture that exemplifies his dedication to enhancing residents’ lives.
A father of two, Henry hopes that his autism diagnosis will also support his family, as his younger son shows early signs of autism. “Understanding myself better means I can be more aware of what my children might need,” he said. “If I can help my sons navigate this world, just like I do for the residents, I’ll know I’m doing something right.”
For Henry, the rewards of his work far exceed its challenges. “It’s a demanding job, but every small joy I can bring to someone’s life makes it worth it,” he concluded.
