Derry social work staff recognised in 'Professional in Practice' awards

Pictured above are: Tom Cassidy, Executive Director of Social Work; Stephen McLaughlin, Assistant Director of Social Work; Karen McElhill, Social Worker GP Multi-Disciplinary Team; Charlene Cassidy, Social Worker, Primary Care Older People; Willie Deery, Professional Social Worker Officer, Learning, Development and Governance; Donna Downey, Service Manager, Family and Child Care; Ann-Marie Bradley, Social Work Manager, GP Multi-Disciplinary Team and Lisa Anderson, Business Manager, Learning, Development and Governance.

Staff from the Western Health and Social Care Trust (Western Trust) recently attended the Northern Ireland Social Care Council Professional in Practice Award Ceremony. 

The ceremony recognised 23 Social Workers from the Trust who have completed a Professional in Practice Award that reflects commitment to learning and dedication to delivering outstanding social work practice across the Trust in a range of areas.

Congratulating staff on their achievements Tom Cassidy, Director of Women and Children’s Services and Executive Director of Social Work at the Western Trust said: “It is important to recognise both the professional and personal dedication and commitment that is needed to complete such awards and is particularly even more significant given the ongoing challenges and pressures these staff faced in their day to day work as we emerged from the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“Congratulations to our 23 social work staff who achieved their Consolidation and Specialist Awards.

"Well done to you all we are very proud of your success!"

Some of the award winners recently attended a ‘Tea and Treat’ with Tom Cassidy, Executive Of Social Work, providing an opportunity for Tom to hear about their excellent work and the dedication and professionalism involved in achieving their award.