A former teacher from Cwmbran has been recognised with a prestigious Gold award at the 2025 Wales Care Awards for her outstanding contribution to adult care training.
Aimee Green, who spent 15 years teaching in secondary schools, made the leap into the care sector last year and now works as a trainer with Expanding Horizons, a supported living and care home provider based in the town.
Her dedication and positive approach quickly caught the attention of her colleagues, who nominated her for the Commitment to Training and Workforce Development category, sponsored by City and Guilds. She was announced as the winner at a red-carpet ceremony in Cardiff.
Speaking after receiving the award, Aimee said: “I’m not one to enjoy the spotlight, but this recognition has been a powerful reminder of why I do what I do. It’s fuelled my commitment to championing our workforce and continuing to push for progress in care.”
Expanding Horizons
Expanding Horizons supports people with learning disabilities and mental health diagnoses across 11 supported living services and a residential care home in Gwent.
Managing Director Ali Cooling said the decision to nominate Aimee was unanimous among the leadership team: “Her passion for training and development has made a real impact, and we’re proud to see her work recognised at a national level.”
The Wales Care Awards are organised annually by Care Forum Wales to celebrate the achievements of frontline care professionals across the country.
She said: “Despite being relatively new to our organisation, Aimee has made a remarkable impact in a short period. Her dedication to staff development, induction, and ongoing training has been transformative. We are incredibly fortunate to have her on our team, and we wholeheartedly believe she deserves recognition for her outstanding contributions.”
The presentation event on Friday 17 October at Holland House Hotel, Cardiff, and sponsored by Meddyg Care.
‘Humbled’
Aimee said: “I am incredibly honoured to have been nominated and absolutely humbled to have achieved Gold amongst such outstanding professionals from across our sector.
“Sitting amongst some of the most passionate, dedicated, and inspiring individuals in social care was a privilege. Each speaker reminded me why this sector is so special, and why it deserves to be celebrated. The energy in the room was nothing short of uplifting.
“Though I still consider myself relatively new to the care sector, I’ve already developed a deep-rooted pride in the work we do. A huge thank you to Expanding Horizons for trusting me to shape our training programme and launch our wellbeing strategy. Their belief in me has meant the world.”
Aimee originally joined the group as a Wellbeing and Workforce Development Officer, but earlier this year was promoted to the role of People, Culture and Wellbeing Manager.
150 staff
She heads up training for nearly 150 staff .
Ali Cooling said: “This ensures our workforce is not only meeting required standards but also engaging in continuous professional development, enhancing the quality of care provided.
“Aimee’s leadership has ensured that workforce development remains at the heart of our service, ultimately improving the quality of care we provide.”
Aimee was among hundreds of nominees across Wales whose names were put forward in 20 categories of Wales Care Award before each was interviewed by a judging panel who drew up a shortlist of finalists.
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the 2025 awards shone a light on the “unsung heroes and heroines” who make a vital difference to the lives of vulnerable people across the nation.
He said: “For more than 30 years, Care Forum Wales has worked tirelessly to champion the social care sector.
“The Wales Care Awards underlines the importance of the sector – it’s the glue that binds our communities together, both socially and economically.
“Our mission has always been to be the voice of social care in Wales to stand up for the workforce and ensure their dedication is properly recognised.”
Mair Elis-Thomas
A special moment in the evening came when Mair Elis-Thomas, widow of the late Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas, took to the stage to present one of the awards.
According to Mr Kreft it was a touching gesture that reflected Lord Elis Thomas’s long standing support for the Wales Care Awards and for social care more broadly.
“Dafydd was a passionate believer in the power of the arts to enrich lives and support wellbeing and mental health,” said Mr Kreft.
“He is greatly missed, but his legacy lives on – not only through his contribution to public life as a Presiding Officer, but also through the positive impact he had on so many communities.”
Care Forum Wales, which represents more than 400 independent health and social care providers across the nation.