Put your social service worker up for an individual award

People who use services and their carers can now nominate the unsung heroes of social services for an outstanding achievement award.

People working in Scotland’s social services do an excellent and exceptional job every day, whether they work in a nursery, care home for older people, in the community or a social work department of a local authority. If you know someone who works in any of these services and want to help say thank you why not nominate your worker for the Outstanding Contribution to Care Award and give them an amazing surprise!

The outstanding social service worker will be honoured at the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) Care Accolades award ceremony in June 2011.

Last year’s winners Dougie and Michael from Independent Living Service won the award after they went out of their way to put in place care and support to support an elderly gentleman’s final wish to return to his home in remote countryside, offering him the dignity, respect and care he and his family desired.

Gwen Robinson, Manager, Independent Living Services said: “I nominated Michael and Dougie for this award because they’ve gone way beyond the call of duty. The boys never even let us know that they were doing this, they didn’t seek any special thanks they didn’t complain for a moment they felt it was part of their duty. We are so proud of these guys at Independent Living Services.”

 On receiving the award Dougie said: “I feel humble to receive the award, I didn’t do anything different, it was just a normal day. It is just part of my job”.

 Workers might not think they’re exceptional but others might.

 Anna Fowlie, SSSC Chief Executive says you know when you’ve met an exceptional worker: “Having an excellent worker can make a real difference to the lives of someone who uses social services.

“We don’t hear enough about the excellent people working in social services. The Outstanding Contribution to Care Award gives not only employers but people who use social services to shout about the workers who are making a difference to their lives.”

The nominations are open until the 18 February 2011 to put forward their social service workers for the award. The winner and nominee will be invited to the Care Accolades 2011 award ceremony on 3 June 2011 at Paisley Town Hall.

 You can nominate workers online at: http://www.sssc.uk.com/sssc/news-and-events/care-accolades.html or email: [email protected] or telephone: 0845 60 30 891 for more information. The closing date for entries is 18 February 2011.