Lucy Cummings from PLANED has taken the top award in the recent West Wales Health & Social Care Awards, held at Parc yr Scarlets by the Regional Partnership Board.

With many worthy winners from across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, and Pembrokeshire recognised for their work in this key sector, Lucy had to wait for the final award category to be announced, and faced tough competition for the title of Outstanding Contribution.

The PLANED project on Micro Enterprises and Catalysts for Care began in 2020 in Pembrokeshire. Working in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board, the three local authorities, and third sector agencies, PLANED has now expanded this project to both Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion.

Lucy joined PLANED in 2023, and has enabled the project in Carmarthenshire to build, going from strength to strength. Over 25 new micro enterprises in health and social care have been supported to be set up in the first 12 months alone.

Chief Executive of PLANED Iwan Thomas said: “Under the mentorship of Lee James here in Pembrokeshire, and with the amazing support of our local authority partners, the Carmarthenshire Catalyst in supporting the Micro Enterprises has been amazing. Lucy has brought fresh energy, and with the wider support of the PLANED team, drawn upon existing contacts as the organisation continues to build and strengthen its regional support for communities by working in partnership with others.”

With a capacity audience for the Awards ceremony at Parc y Scarlets, Lucy was presented the final award of the day by the current interim Chair of Hywel Dda University Health Board, Judith Hardisty, following her nomination by colleagues in Carmarthenshire County Council.

Lucy thanked the Commissioning Team at Carmarthenshire County Council and everyone involved in the project. “I am so blessed and love the work I do, alongside amazing people and services supporting our communities,” she added.

The project supports people to maintain living in their own homes. Lucy, along with her colleagues Lee in Pembrokeshire and Sue Lewis in Ceredigion, is helping to deliver a sustainable solution for enabling both social and economic wellbeing for communities across West Wales.