The winners of Cygnet’s Social Work Awards have been announced during our Social Work Annual Conference at Cygnet Churchill on Thursday 17th October. The conference explored a range of topics affecting Social Work in mental health and social care.
Jo-Ann McAuliffe, Cygnet’s Deputy Director of Nursing, said: “This conference gives the wider Social Work team within Cygnet the opportunity to enhance the work they are doing to ensure our service users have the very best experience. It also provides an opportunity for colleagues to nominate and celebrate the exceptional work that you do.
“This year we had a high number of nominations and is an be an enormous pleasure to recognise those who make outstanding contributions to the care that our service users and residents receive.”
Following an introduction from Lord Kamlesh Patel OBE, Senior Independent Board Director, guest speakers from within Cygnet and the wider social work community, as well as Euan Atkinson, Cygnet Expert by Experience, and Matthew McKenzie, Cygnet Carer Ambassador and author, shared their unique perspectives to an invited audience representing our Social Work team in person, and online via Zoom.
Congratulations to all of our Social Work Awards 2024 nominees.
The following are our shortlisted category finalists and winners.
Social Work Assistant of the Year
Winner: Halila Rasheed-Insuah – Cygnet Hospital Beckton
Finalists: Chinenye Ibe – Cygnet Hospital Stevenage, Mandy Lyons – Cygnet Bury Hudson
On receiving her award Halila, Social Worker and Safeguarding Administrator at Cygnet Hospital Beckton, said:”I feel amazed and honoured. I just can’t believe it! I am so filled with happiness and joy. I would like to thank the team at Cygnet Hospital Beckton for nominating me. This means so much to me as I have worked hard for two years! So this award means everything as my hard work has not gone unnoticed.
“I love the atmosphere at Cygnet Hospital Beckton, it feels like a family. I enjoy meeting new patients and spending time with them. Seeing where they started and how they progress brings such joy to my work. I just love making a positive change and learning along the way.”
Social Worker of the Year
Winner: Claire Lomas – Cygnet Hospital Clifton
Finalists: Afifa Ghouri – Cygnet Hospital Harrow, Saskia Hills – Cygnet Hospital Maidstone
Claire, Lead Social Worker and Safeguarding Lead at Cygnet Hospital Clifton, said: “It was an honour to be a part of the awards, to recognise, appreciate and value all the positive work that Cygnet Social Workers do. The favourite part of my job is the ability to make a difference and a positive change to our service users and their carers by reframing their experience with Social Workers and Social Care.”
Leadership in Social Work
Winner: Paula Tappenden – Cygnet Hospital Maidstone
Finalists Chloe Cooper-Brown – Cygnet Hospital Stevenage, Susannah Darwall – Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke
Paula, Head of Social Work and Safeguarding Lead at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone, said: “It was a surprise to win the award, I am really aware of the incredible work the other finalists do. I was incredibly touched and honoured my colleagues had taken the time to nominate me. This is another example of how the team at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone do everything possible to hold each other up and support them.
“I came into social work with a clear intention to work with people living with mental health issues, so to win this award is so special. I get to do the job I love and make a positive difference to other people lives.
“The best thing about my job is seeing just how well the team has grown over the last 18 months. We have grown a fantastic Safeguarding Leads team, obtained the Triangle of Care accreditation and changed the way social work is seen at Maidstone. I am so proud of the Social Work team at Cygnet Hospital Maidstone, and the award is for all of us.