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Press Release

Celebrating Excellence in Care: Lilian “Lily” Omwaka Recognised as Finalist for NEL Carer of the Year 2025

We are proud to announce that Lilian Omwaka, known to colleagues and residents as “Lily,” Senior Project Worker at the Khaya Project, was named a finalist for the North East London (NEL) Carer of the Year Award in December 2025. This recognition honours Lily’s exceptional dedication and impact over more than 15 years of service.

Throughout her career, Lily has consistently demonstrated outstanding professionalism, compassion, and advocacy. Her approach to care has always been deeply person-centred, ensuring that every resident is treated with dignity, respect, and empathy. She is known for going far beyond the expectations of her role to support both residents and the wider community.

One particularly moving example of Lily’s commitment involved a resident who had been estranged from his family for over 30 years. Through her persistence and compassion, Lily successfully re-established contact, arranged meaningful reunions, and kept the family informed about his wellbeing. When he sadly passed away, the family entrusted Lily to lead his memorial. She thoughtfully curated the service, selecting his favourite songs, sharing personal memories, and organising photographs that celebrated his life. Messages of condolence from neighbours and professionals alike reflected the profound difference she had made.

Lily’s impact extends well beyond individual residents. She has played a vital role in building bridges within the local community, fostering understanding and acceptance between neighbours and residents. Through initiatives such as Khaya Project BBQs and community events, she has transformed relationships—neighbours who were once hesitant or even hostile now engage warmly, attend events, and, in some cases, invite Lily to their own family celebrations. Her efforts have created a more inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all.

Despite currently being on long-term unexpected illness leave, Lily remains an integral part of the Khaya Project community. She continues to stay in touch with colleagues, offering informal mentoring, guidance, and support. Her desire to remain connected and her hope to visit from time to time highlight her unwavering commitment. Her absence is deeply felt by residents, neighbours, colleagues, and management, all of whom greatly value her presence, experience, and leadership.

Over the years, Lily has inspired those around her through her mentorship of new staff, her encouragement of shared learning, and her tireless advocacy for the rights and wellbeing of service users. Her dedication has made a measurable and lasting difference in the lives of vulnerable adults.

Lily’s compassion, leadership, and exceptional standard of care make her a true role model. We are honoured to celebrate her as a finalist for the NEL Carer of the Year Award and to recognise the remarkable contribution she continues to make to our community.

Ndumie Mafu takes part in Leaders Council roundtable discussion.

On 15th November 2022, leaders from the care industry gathered at the Caledonian Club in West London to discuss the status of care workers in the United Kingdom. The roundtable discussion was prompted by members of The Leaders Council who have raised concerns about the way care workers are perceived in comparison to those in the NHS.

Issues discussed included funding, recruitment, retention and progression within the industry. Following the discussion, the Leaders Council of Great Britain and Northern Ireland will write to relevant figures in parliament informing them of the points that were raised.

Speaking after the event, Craig Wilmann, director of the Leaders Council said, ‘It was a real pleasure to host this discussion. The passion came through from everyone in the room and, as such, the conversation went on significantly longer than expected. Next time we hope an MP from the health and social care committee will join us in person.’

Ndumie Mafu, founder and CEO of Khaya Project Ltd commented "Indeed what our social care workers need is not the applause such as that of 'clapping' for NHS workers, they need recognition for the hard work they do in the form of financial support to mitigate the current increased energy bills, inflation and cost of living. That could only be achieved by raising funding for care to a fair level".

Leaders Council chairman Lord Blunkett said, ‘It is essential for leaders in parliament to hear from the leaders out there in the country at large. I’d like to thank all the attendees for their contributions.’

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