Minister pays tribute to social workers

Social Services Minister Jim Wells has paid tribute to Northern Ireland’s social workers following an event to recognise and celebrate excellence in social work practice.

The fourth Regional Social Work Awards event in Northern Ireland took place at Belfast City Hall yesterday (Thursday). Afterwards, Minister Wells said: “Social workers help many vulnerable people in our society to live safer lives. They need our support and they deserve our appreciation. Events like this give us the opportunity to mark the positive difference they make in our society.

“As Minister for Health and Social Services, I am proud of the work that social workers do in Northern Ireland. We have a strong statutory sector which is complemented by a vibrant voluntary and independent sector. As a profession, across all these sectors, committed social workers are working daily to improve and safeguard the well-being of children, families, adults and communities.”

The awards are to promote and celebrate excellence in Social Work and were planned and co-ordinated by the Health and Social Care Board in partnership with the Trusts, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and the Northern Ireland Association for Social Work.

Congratulating the award winners the Minister said: “The commitment, professionalism and compassion shown by the shortlisted candidates for these awards is very impressive.

“The winners of each of the seven categories are to be commended as is the overall winner, the Northern Health and Social Care Trust Sharing the Care Team.”