Laura Mellens
Barry,CF62
Summary
Compassionate and creative support professional with extensive experience supporting children and young people with complex and life-limiting conditions. Currently working as a Healthcare Support Worker at Tŷ Hafan, with a strong focus on delivering inclusive, therapeutic play and sensory experiences tailored to individual needs. Skilled in engaging children with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) through adapted activities, communication aids and sensory approaches. Passionate about creating meaningful, child-centred experiences while supporting families with empathy and understanding. Proven ability to take initiative, develop inclusive programmes, and work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to enhance service delivery.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work history
Healthcare Support Worker
Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice
2025.07 - Current
- Deliver person-centred care to babies, children and young people with complex and life-limiting conditions
- Support children with PMLD to access play through adapted equipment and sensory approaches
- Communicate effectively with children and families, building trusting relationships
- Contribute to care planning, reviews and multidisciplinary team working
- Maintain accurate records in line with organisational standards
- Support a child and family-centred environment and assist colleagues across teams
- Key Achievements:
- - Designed a 'graduation transition box' now used across the service
- - Co-developed an inclusive cooking club using adapted equipment
Project Officer
Vale People First
2024.01 - 2025.04
- - Developed and delivered inclusive activity programmes for adults with learning disabilities
- - Promoted independence through structured and sensory-based activities
- - Worked collaboratively with families, staff and external agencies
- - Maintained safeguarding and person-centred practices
Education
A Level - Health & Social Care
A Level - Art & Design
GCSEs - undefined
Skills
- Therapeutic & sensory play
- Inclusive activity design
- Communication using eyegaze
- Family-centred support
- Emotional resilience
- Teamwork
- Care planning
- Safeguarding
Certification
- Safeguarding
- Manual Handling
- Palliative Care
- First Aid (EFAW)
- Food Hygiene Level 3
Community Work & Leadership
The Bluebell Group, Founder, - Established a community group supporting adults with PMLD and their families, - Plan and deliver sensory, themed and memory-making activities, - Provide emotional support for parent-carers, - Collaborate with external organisations and support volunteers, - Grew the group to full capacity with consistently positive feedback
Additional Experience
- Full-Time Parent Carer (2009 – 2023)
- Provided long-term care for a child with complex and life-limiting needs, developing strong skills in communication, emotional support and person-centred care.
Timeline
Healthcare Support Worker
Tŷ Hafan Children’s Hospice
2025.07 - Current
Project Officer
Vale People First
2024.01 - 2025.04