Southend Council’s star social worker

A BRAINY social worker has achieved a first-class degree after being sponsored by Southend Council.

Lovemore Mbawa, an assistant social worker with Southend Community Mental Health Team, gained a BA (Hons) degree in social work from the University of Essex.

Mr Mbawa, who carried out his studies while doing his regular job during the holidays, was awarded the only first class honours degree awarded on the course in 2010.

His particular degree is a full-time course accredited by the General Social Care Council which gives the professional qualification for social work.

The course required students to do 200 days of practice-based learning in at least two social work settings.

Mr Mbawa’s first placement was in child social care, working at Shoeburyness High School, and his second at Rayleigh Community Mental Health Team.

At the school, he helped children with disabilities, dealt with difficult family issues and children with behavioural issues.

Mr Mbawa said: “I am extremely grateful for all the support the council has given me throughout my course.

“They took a lot of pressure off, so I was able to focus purely on my studies, allowing me to do the best I possibly could.

“This experience was hard work but fulfilling as I have always had a passion for helping people.

“I had very little experience of working with children before my second year placement, and I came to really enjoy it.

“But I was more relaxed working with adults, and have managed to secure a social worker role within my current team working in adult mental health.”

Anna Waite, Southend’s councillor for adult social care, said: “We all sincerely want to congratulate Mr Mbawa on his achievement, and are pleased that we have been able to help further his career.

“We look forward to watching him flourish as a fully-qualified social worker.”