For Rob Hayward, food has become much more than a meal – it’s a way of reconnecting people with learning disabilities to their loved ones.
Rob, who works as a peripatetic service manager with M&D Care, came up with the idea of hosting “Family Sunday Dinners” inside the service’s homes. The concept is straightforward: once a month, two families are invited to sit down with their loved ones for a traditional roast, prepared by chefs and served in a homely dining room.
For many of the people supported by M&D Care, this was something they had never experienced before. Complex needs and behaviours that challenge had often made shared mealtimes too difficult in the past.
“One of the mothers told me it was the first time she had ever sat down and had a meal with her child,” Rob said. “That really brought home how important this was. We just wanted to create a safe, welcoming space where families could share those moments together.”
Transforming family life By applying Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) principles, Rob and his colleagues worked to reduce the triggers that had previously made mealtimes stressful. Structured routines, sensory adjustments and tailored support strategies helped people feel comfortable and in control.
The result has been described as “life‑changing.”
(Image: Mandy Jones)
Abbi‑Lee Bevan, M&D Care’s business development director, who nominated Rob for the award, said:
“For the first time, families were able to sit down together and enjoy a meal with their loved ones in a homely, welcoming environment. What was once considered ‘too risky’ became a cherished tradition, strengthening family bonds and creating a true sense of belonging.”
A career built on care Rob has worked in social care for 18 years, starting as a PBS practitioner before moving into management. In his current role, he supports specialist homes across Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.
He admits he was “shocked” to be nominated in the Leading Practice in Learning Disability category at this year’s Wales Care Awards, but says the recognition is a privilege.
“I absolutely love what I do and feel I’ve found a career for life,” he said. “I’m passionate about making a difference, and I’m lucky to work with colleagues who share that same drive.”
Celebrating the sector The Wales Care Awards, organised by Care Forum Wales, will take place at Cardiff’s Holland House Hotel on Friday 17 October.
Mario Kreft MBE, Chair of Care Forum Wales, said the awards were about recognising the dedication of frontline staff:
“Every single one of our finalists is a winner. The event underlines the importance of the social care sector – it is the glue that binds our communities together.”
Rob’s Family Sunday Dinners may have started as a simple idea, but for the families who now gather around the table, it has created memories they thought they might never have.
Rob joins a growing list of inspirational local finalists we’ve featured this year, including a Port Talbot care home worker described as a ‘social care Oscar’ newcomer, a Swansea grandfather who turned redundancy into a new career in care, a Pontardawe cook who brought tears of joy with her catering success, and a Swansea care worker whose creativity has made residents’ dreams come true.
