Blackburn with Darwen Social Worker wins prestigious award

Blackburn with Darwen Social Worker Lauren North has won a National Children and Young People Award!

‘The Children and Families Social Worker of the Year’, was awarded to Lauren at the ceremony in Birmingham.

Lauren was nominated by one of the residential homes where she supports children and they felt she’d worked immensely hard for all three of the young people since they were accommodated. When presented with her award the judges said:

Lauren has shown exceptional growth as a Children’s Disabilities Social Worker, excelling in empowering children and families. Her resilience, leadership, and ability to navigate complex family dynamics are outstanding. Lauren is highly committed to collaboration and supporting colleagues, ensuring every child’s needs are central. Her dedication, passion, and adaptability are truly inspiring.

Lauren said:

I feel incredibly honoured to have been nominated, and delighted to win. I am still overwhelmed by it all and by all the people who have taken their time to congratulate me, it is lovely to have my work recognised. I have always had the support and guidance from my manager and my team who have shaped me in to the practitioner I am.

The National Children & Young People Awards are unique awards that celebrate excellence in care for children, young people and families, showcase innovation and best practice in this area and pay tribute to those individuals or organisation who excel in quality care provision.

Councillor Julie Gunn, Deputy Leader and Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education said:

We are delighted that Lauren has won the Social Worker of the Year award. It is a huge achievement to be chosen from across the whole of the social care sector and proves just how valuable her work is. It’s been a joy to see Lauren’s career develop at BwD and her dedication and care is inspirational. Thank you Lauren and congratulations on this well-deserved award, we are all very proud of you!

The awards recognise accomplishments at all levels and from the independent and voluntary sectors; including residential, home care, housing with care, learning disabilities & autism services, children & young people services and suppliers of products and services to the sector.

They have a variety of categories that represents all areas of the workforce  with the common thread of elevating the role of leadership, innovation and responsibility among children and young people. These include:

• The Employer Award
• The Newcomer Award
• The Support Worker Award
• The Foster Carer
• The Support Worker Award
• The Children’s Home Team Award
• The Children’s Home Manager Award
• The Fostering & Adoption Award
• The Biggest Impact Award
• The Safeguarding of Children Award
• The Wellbeing Award
• The Children’s Champion Award
• The Partnership Working Award Award
• The Leaving Care Award
• The Young Carer Award
• The Outstanding Contribution Award
• Children and Families Social Worker Award
• The Children with Disabilities Award
• The Social Care Covid Hero Award
• The Supported Accommodation Award

To find out more about the awards visit their website:
https://www.cypawards.co.uk/