Social Workers 'Valued': McGimpsey

The valuable contribution social workers make to the lives of individuals and communities in Northern Ireland has been officially recognised.

Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey acknowledged thee sector's work when he spoke as he presented three key awards recognising outstanding achievements in good social work practice.

The awards are made by the Northern Ireland Association of Social Workers (NIASW), to individuals who have made an exceptional contribution to social work in their area of expertise.

This year the areas of practice the awards have recognised include residential child care, sensory impairment, fostering and adoption, work with older people and professional training.

Mr McGimpsey said: "Social workers provide care, support and protection to thousands of people in Northern Ireland every day. People who may be experiencing neglect, abuse, exploitation, family breakdown or bereavement.

"People who may be socially isolated, homeless, in poor health or have a physical or sensory disability, they all need the skills and care provided by our social workers, in what are often very challenging circumstances.

"Therefore I am delighted to be able to present these awards for outstanding achievement to the winners here today.

"Their dedication and commitment has made a significant impact to social work in their respective fields in Northern Ireland. The range and scope of social work practice is considerable and that diversity is recognised in the range of areas of practice reflected in the awards being made," he said, this week.

(BMcC/GK)