ND Care & Support has a double award winner!

We’re delighted to announce Eniko Acatalinei, Registered Manager of our Cross Hands branch, has won not one, but two awards at the West Wales Health & Care Awards. 

Shortly after Eniko received the Care Hero Award, it was announced that she was also the winner of the Outstanding Contribution Award – a surprise category chosen by expert judges. 

The recognition is one of the highlights of Eniko’s inspirational 20-year career, which has seen her cross continents and make heroic personal sacrifices to help people in need of care. 

In her acceptance speech at the awards ceremony organised by the Western Telegraph, Eniko said: 

“I’m absolutely delighted to have won, it really is an honour to accept these two awards. Working in care isn’t easy but it is one of the most rewarding careers you can choose because we make such a difference to our Service Users. I’m so grateful for my colleagues past and present at ND Care & Support. We have an amazing community in Cross Hands and I’m so proud of all of us. 

“And finally, thank you to the organisers of these awards for giving us a platform to celebrate carers, especially the other nominees for this award, and the amazing impact we make in our communities.” 

Rebecca Ford, Director of ND Care & Support, was full of praise for Eniko: 

“Anyone working in care understands how hard, emotional and demanding our industry can be at times. Eniko’s journey is inspirational, she is a real-life hero and a truly deserving winner of the Care Hero of the Year Award and the Outstanding Achievement Award. 

“Eniko is one of the most well-respected and experienced people in the industry, and we’re very grateful to have her with us at ND Care & Support. She takes pride in her role helping Service Users every single day and she’s a fantastic representative of our industry.” 

The beginning of Eniko’s journey in care 

To describe Eniko Acatalinei as compassionate and committed only just scratches the surface of the impact she’s had. After growing up and finishing education in Romania, Eniko’s first experience in care was as a church volunteer, where she supported disadvantaged families, including parents with addictions. 

Soon after, Eniko was keen to explore new countries and came to Wales to care for adults with learning difficulties in 2001. Just 24 at the time, Eniko moved over 1,000 miles across Europe to live and volunteer in a college supporting individuals with complex needs. This was the official start to her career in care.  

Eniko completed her NVQ Level 2 in Care whilst volunteering and when the 12-month volunteer programme ended, the college saw her immense potential and asked her to stay in another role. The decision to stay in Wales, rather than returning to Romania, was a significant turning point in her career. Over the next five years, Eniko supported adults with learning disabilities and was promoted to a senior position of Volunteer Manager  

Testament to Eniko’s incredible dedication, all of this was achieved whilst volunteering six days a week and living on £60 a month for personal use. Her accommodation and meals were provided as part of the volunteering package. 

Making the transition to domiciliary care 

Having become a Registered Manager for two small homes for individuals with learning difficulties, Eniko was joined in Wales by her partner from Romania in 2007 and then took a career-break to start a family. 

Returning to care in 2010, Eniko found it difficult to get a job, even after all her hard work, so she decided to start all over again as a Domiciliary Care Worker. Eniko adapted well to the differences in environment and her passion was rewarded when she progressed to a Care Co-ordinator role – a role she enjoyed for seven years until her employer ceased trading. 

Eniko joined ND Care & Support as a Care Coordinator in 2018 and was promoted to Registered Manager in 2021. Speaking four languages and holding NVQ qualifications in Care Level 2 and 3, NVQ Level 4 in Management and QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management, Eniko has brought a lot to the table, however, it’s her personal touch that makes the difference for our Service Users. 

Because Eniko takes the time to get to know our Service Users so personally, she often recognises the need for change in certain care packages. Her expert knowledge and understanding of care have prevented many of her service users going into 24-hour care, based on the adaptations she has recommended and implemented with the families we work with.  

About ND Care & Support  

ND Care & Support provides a range of bespoke care services for children, young adults and older people throughout Wales. 

We’re always on the lookout for caring, compassionate and committed Care Workers to join our team and help us provide access to high quality care that meets bespoke needs. 

Do you want to follow in Eniko’s footsteps? View our most recent vacancies.