A DEDICATED mental health worker who supports unpaid carers has been named a winner in the Great British Care Awards.

Psychological wellbeing support worker Daryhl Lewis won the Care Newcomer of the Year in the prestigious awards, which are held annually to pay tribute to outstanding individuals and teams in the care sector.

Daryhl, from Runcorn won the North West region at a ceremony at Manchester’s Kimpton Clocktower on Saturday, November 9.

She is now through to the final in Birmingham next year.

Daryhl Lewis is 'unflinchingly enthusiastic'Daryhl Lewis is 'unflinchingly enthusiastic' (Image: Supplied)

Despite only starting in her role at the Cheshire East All Ages Carers Hub in January this year, Daryhl made an instant impression with her manager at Making Space, the national health and social care charity that manages the service.

Keri Smith, associate director at Making Space, said: “In a very short time, Daryhl has made a very powerful impact.

“She receives glowing feedback, is unflinchingly enthusiastic and totally committed.

"Making Space developed a CCBT offer for parent carers in Cheshire East, which has been in high demand due to Daryhl’s caring and supportive approach.

“We are a values-led organisation, and one of those values is ‘tailor making.’

“Daryhl has tailor-made a programme for parent carers, and in doing so she’s helping people find the freedom to think about what they really want and need.

“No judgement - just empathy, compassion and understanding.”

Daryhl said: “When I saw this job advertised I lit up.

“It felt like my whole life had been leading towards it.

“Before university, I worked as an early years special education needs coordinator supporting children and young families.

“My degree taught me all the theories and science behind how the brain works, and I do a lot of independent learning about new therapies and best practice.

“I also have the same experiences as the people I support, and that’s so valuable in helping parent carers know that they’re not alone.

“It’s so common to feel isolated and like every day is a battle. I’m there to show people they’re not alone and support them to achieve the life they deserve to live.

“I’m so grateful that everything came together to lead me to this role with Making Space.”

Keri added: "As a single parent of a young child with extra caring duties and lifelong experience of caring, Daryhl uses her lived experience to educate herself and benefit others.

“She has a very bright future in social care.

“We wish Daryhl and all our social care colleagues the very best of luck.”

Cheshire East All Ages Carers Hub teams support both adult and young carers aged five to 18 and are based in community venues across Cheshire East including Knutsford, Handforth and Wilmslow.

The service can also provide remote support via telephone or video call and can conduct home visits.

Services include statutory carer’s assessments, one to one support, peer support groups and activities and carers' breaks.

To contact them email enquiries@cheshireeastcarershub.co.uk call 07866 821609 or visit cheshireeastcarershub.co.uk