Lifeways manager wins award for excellence in social care after family nomination

A committed Lifeways manager has won an award for Excellence in the Social Care Sector after her “relentless” efforts to provide the best care possible for one of the people we support. 

Susan Wales was crowned the winner of the category at the Parent Carers’ Council (PaCC) Awards 2025 after being nominated by Lorraine, the mother of someone she supports at one of Lifeways’ supported living services in Brighton. 

“From months of transition to the current day, Sue has always been a great support, not just for our son, but the whole family,” said Lorraine. 

“Sue actively became involved with us all and has always been relentless in her need to understand my child and the other residents. 

“Sue has attended so many training courses to develop her knowledge of my son. She is eager to learn everything, but her overriding gift, is her communication, her willingness to learn, modify and implement change!”

Susan, originally from Croydon but who moved to Brighton in 2019, was officially presented with her well-deserved award at an informal public event at the city’s Community Base on Tuesday, March 17. 

Describing how being recognised with the award “blew her away,” she went on to describe how her career in care with Lifeways has changed her life. 

“I came into care eight years ago and I have no plans on going anywhere any time soon. Receiving all the support from Lifeways and being recognised for something like this really shows how important you are to the people we support and that we are not just a number. 

“Lorraine said that I go above and beyond, but it’s just a trait that comes to me naturally. It’s just what I do.”

Susan went on to explain that Lorraine’s son first moved into the service in August 2022 and that it has since become his “forever home”.  

At first, there were doubts about his capabilities due to his learning disability and acquired brain injury, but over time, with support from Sue and the rest of the Lifeways team, he has achieved countless goals and learned to do more things for himself. 

“With support, he has learned how to cross a road safely, he can make himself a hot chocolate and make his family cups of tea, and he even makes his own hummus. Supporting him to learn these skills is just amazing, and there is so much more we are helping him to achieve.”