Wales award ceremony praises unsung ‘heroes’ of the people

Social workers across Wales were put in the spotlight at an award ceremony to celebrate their efforts supporting some of the most vulnerable people in society.

BASW Cymru’s annual Social Work Awards saw Welsh Assembly Members, including Minister for Health and Social Services Mark Drakeford, gather to pay tribute to the profession.

The event, now in its fifth year, was held at the Welsh National Assembly’s Pierhead Building in Cardiff Bay on Tuesday, October 7 and aims to shine a light on the many unheard success stories within social work.

Robin Moulster, Manager of BASW Cymru, said: “We are very proud to be an organisation that leads and represents the social work profession in Wales.

“Social workers do a fantastic job day-in day-out supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our community. They have chosen this line of work because they want to help others and their contribution should be valued.

“The BASW Cymru Social Work Awards provide a chance for us to celebrate their hard work and to say thank you to social workers across Wales.”

Awards were presented in three categories – the Spirit of Social Work, highlighting the individual that best embodies the values of social work; the Social Work Team Award and the Practice Teacher Award.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mark Drakeford AM, a former social worker himself, said the award winners represented the best examples of professionals working alongside people in need of support.

“Social work understands individual dilemmas and distresses that we see in people’s lives are not there because of some personality trait, they are there because so often structural forces have shaped the opportunities or lack of opportunities these people have faced.”

Describing the traits of good social work, he stressed a focus on people’s strengths, not being judgmental and having a “sense of optimism” in the ability of individuals to change their lives for the better.

Other speakers at the event included Bethan Jenkins AM and Sarah Rochira, Older Persons Commissioner for Wales.

Ms Rochira told guests: “The difference you make is phenomenal. When you strip it all away what you do is something very special indeed.

“There are people in Wales who are having food on their table because of what you do. There are people who are not frightened to open their door and risk abuse because of what you do. There are people in Wales still near to their family and friends because of what you do.

“To people I represent across Wales you are treasures, you are unsung heroes, a true asset to this country.”

Winners

Spirit of Social Work – Sue Marshall, Dementia Care Advisor at Cardiff and Vale UHB.

Runner up: Tina Roberts

Social Work Team Award – Adopt Swansea, at City and County of Swansea.

Runner up: Family Intervention Team, Pembrokeshire County Council

Practice Teacher Award – Alison Reeve, of Wrexham CBC Adult Social Care.

Runner up: Trish Mellor