The annual Proud to Care Awards celebrate individuals making a significant difference in adult social care across Cornwall. This year, the awards evening will take place at the Eden Project on Friday, September 19, 2025, during Professional Care Workers Week. With ten prestigious awards available and hundreds of nominations received across the county, each nomination highlights the compassion, skill, and commitment of Cornwall’s care workforce.
We are delighted to announce that our own Kaya McLeod, Registered Manager of Wheal Gerry, has been shortlisted for the Registered Manager of the Year award!
Meaningful Recognition: Kaya’s Reflection
Kaya shared her thoughts on receiving the nomination:
“Receiving these nominations was an unexpected and meaningful gift. It’s important to me to know that both myself and my team are trusted to provide care for people’s loved ones. I was touched reading the nominations – they reflected that my core values have been seen and felt: authenticity, integrity, and empathy. These values underpin my focus on delivering person-centred care that makes a real difference. These nominations wouldn’t be possible without my team at Wheal Gerry, who also received multiple nominations for ‘Care Team of the Year’! They approach each day with dedication and genuine care. Being shortlisted is an honour, but regardless of the final outcome, I feel I’ve already received a significant reward – through the thoughtful words in the nominations and, importantly, through witnessing the positive impacts for the people we support.”
Kaya’s Journey: From Support Worker to Registered Manager
Kaya’s progression with Green Light is impressive. She began in January 2019 as a support worker, gaining direct experience across various teams supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, epilepsy, and challenging behaviours. Her commitment to the role led to advancement: Deputy Manager in July 2022, Developmental Manager in December 2023, and Registered Manager in May 2025. Kaya brings a broad range of experience to her role, including her work with both adults and children with learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome.
Voices of Appreciation: The Impact of Kaya’s Care
Kaya’s nominations included moving testimonies from the families she supports, underscoring the impact she has on their lives. Their words speak to her dedication and the trust she has built:
From a Parent: “Kaya is an example of a great manager. She is caring, hardworking and dedicated to providing high standards of care, and creating opportunities for our son to enjoy life to the full… We are pleased that our son is well supported and happy in her and the team’s care. We appreciate the open and warm communications with Kaya. As a result, we are confident that our son receives excellent care and can live life to the full.”
From another Parent: “Kaya brings important qualities to the role of Registered Manager. She is thorough, diligent, disciplined and consistent, also showing respect and warmth to those she supports… We are fortunate to have our son in her care. Kaya is creative and ambitious on his behalf, ensuring he leads his best life. She aims high for him, and delivers.”
From a Sibling: “Kaya has been involved in my brother’s care for the past few years… She has shown hard work and dedication to her role, and we have seen improvements in my brother as a result. She consistently goes above and beyond… As a family we are fortunate to have her in my brother’s life and in our life. Her work and dedication are significantly beyond what is expected for her role, and she merits recognition and reward for her efforts.”
From a Sibling-in-law: “Since Kaya and her team began supporting my brother, I have seen a notable transformation… Kaya leads with compassion, professionalism, and genuine care. She treats him with dignity and respect, building a trusting relationship while maintaining professionalism. She has enabled my brother not just to be cared for, but to grow… Thanks to Kaya, he is happier, healthier, and more fulfilled. That benefits him and lifts our entire family.”
We wish Kaya success at the Proud to Care Awards evening. Her shortlisting reflects her commitment to delivering effective, person-centred care, and we’re proud to have her contributing to Green Light’s vital work supporting people with learning disabilities and autism in Cornwall.