Research-ready homes recognised at the Senedd Cymru

ENRICH Cymru, a network dedicated to connecting care homes and researchers, proudly presented a series of awards to the most research-active care homes within its network at a celebratory event held at the Senedd Cymru.

The prestigious award for the most active research care home in 2024 was presented to Plas Bryn Rhosyn, part of the Pobl Group. This award highlights their outstanding commitment to research initiatives, including the PREACH study and Open Societal Challenges (OSC) Intimacy and Ageing Well study, significantly contributing to ENRICH Cymru's mission of fostering high-quality research within the care home community.

James Wadlow, Director of Care at Pobl Group, said: “This is a huge achievement for Pobl, for Plas Bryn Rhosyn, and for the entire care home sector. It not only recognises our dedication to research but also helps to challenge and change the stereotypes often associated with care homes. We are committed to demonstrating that care homes can be vibrant, innovative places where high-quality research thrives.”

Runners-up included:

• Haulfryn Care Home: Clare Roberts, said: “Research in health and social care is vital. I believe in it so strongly because our teams and the people who live at Haulfryn have so much to contribute. Their experiences, insights, and voices can drive meaningful change, shaping improvements and innovations that enhance care and support.”
• Llys Cyncoed Care Home: Lis May, said: “Being recognised as a runner-up is a testament to our unwavering dedication to research. It motivates us to continue striving for excellence and to keep pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in care.”
• Ysguborwen Residential Dementia Care: Debbie Strong, said: “Today’s recognition confirms what we’ve been doing for years. We’ve always been a forward-thinking care home, and research is at the heart of what we do to ensure we provide the best care to our residents.”

ENRICH Cymru, brings together care home staff, residents, and researchers to co-create and facilitate impactful research. The network aims to enhance the quality of care through evidence-based practices and innovative research projects.

Dr Deborah Morgan, ENRICH Cymru Research Manager said: “What a celebration of the incredible research being done in care homes across Wales! It’s inspiring to see the dedication and passion for research which exists within our network, congratulations to Plas Bryn Rhosyn, and all the runners up. 

“We’re already looking ahead to the next year of onboarding more research-ready care homes to our network and celebrating the impact of research in and for the care home community.”

The event also celebrated eight years of ENRICH Cymru and reflected on the network’s achievements in promoting evidence-based care; the launch of new care home resources and training, and the start of the new funding period from Health and Care Research Wales to continue supporting care homes and providing residents with opportunities to participate in research.

For more information about ENRICH Cymru or to join the network, please visit the ENRICH Cymru website.