16 March 2021
As part of World Social Work day today the Children and Education Minister, Deputy Jeremy Maçon, attended an online awards ceremony to celebrate the role of social workers in Jersey.
World Social Work Day, celebrated this year on 16 March, provides an opportunity for social work practitioners, academics and service users to come together to recognise the valuable work social workers play in the lives of some of the most vulnerable members and families within our communities.
Colleagues in Children, Young People Education and Skills (CYPES) were invited to nominate all those in Children’s Social Care who make a difference to children and families in the Island for the star awards, which took place on Friday afternoon online.
More than 200 staff from across the department were nominated for the work they do to care for children and young people as well as supporting their colleagues.
Deputy Maçon said: “The theme of WSWD this year is: ‘Ubuntu - I Am Because We Are’. It is also a time to acknowledge the many hardships and challenges faced by those who work in social care, alongside their personal strengths and courage in seeking to overcome them.
“These awards are so important as it is a chance to show the skills, talent, and dedication of all our staff in Children’s Social Care. I have been inspired by the great stories I’ve heard during the awards. We heard some amazing stories and the extra mile everyone has gone on behalf of children and young people on the Island is very much appreciated.”
CYPES Director General Mark Rogers added: “It was a pleasure to be part of these important awards. It is essential in a challenging environment that we recognise everyone’s skills and achievements. Everyone is a winner and it shows what the service does every day and through the night also.
“We are supporting children, young people and families and carers through difficult times. Showing love, respect and support for children and young people in our care is the way that we can help them to feel valued and give them the confidence to thrive and be successful and fulfil their dreams. I would like to thank everyone who works for the Department every day to to achieve this ambition that love never leaves.”
Mark Owers, Director of Safeguarding and Care added: “These awards are for everyone who works in Children’s Social Care that help support children, young people and families in Jersey. We are on a journey to improve social care services. It is not an easy place to work and social workers come under a lot of scrutiny which, whilst necessary, can be unsettling.
"We are improving as a service and I am proud of the passion and commitment of our social workers. I would like to thank each one of our social care team members, who put in the extra mile every day to help protect children in the Island.”
Social Worker Star Awards
- A colleague who makes a difference to a child – Bianca Walters
- A colleague who makes a difference to a young person – Kelly Brophy and Janice Buttersworth
- A colleague who is family focused – Pauline Picton
- A colleague who works well in partnership with other agencies – Nick Eagling and Rosena Connor
- A colleague who goes the extra mile for others – Amanda Stevens and Tino Perestrelo
- A colleague who demonstrates innovation in their work – Jaqueline Sewell
- A colleague who demonstrates encouragement to others – Len Deviney and Theresa Egan
- A colleague who has contributed most to your wellbeing – Sue Butterworth
- A Nominate a colleague who makes you feel happy – Angie McShea and Victor Ojwang
- A colleague who you feel, has the safest pair of hands that you can trust in our organisation, Ben Gurney, Mark Owers, Laura Stark, Rachael Edwards
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