Minister pays tribute to social workers

Speaking at the second Regional Social Work Awards event in Northern Ireland at Belfast City Hall, the Minister said: “Social workers help many vulnerable people in our society to live safer lives. They need our support and they deserve our appreciation.

“I welcome the opportunity to be here today to mark the positive difference they make in our society.

“I think that it is right that social workers should be recognised for their work. They do an extremely important and often difficult job day and daily which is often carried out under extreme pressure. It is vital that they are given support to carry out their responsibilities.”

Congratulating the award winners the Minister continued: “I have been very impressed by the commitment, professionalism and compassion shown by the shortlisted candidates for these awards.”

“The winners of each of the six categories are to be commended as is the overall winner.”

The event was planned and co-ordinated by the HSCB in partnership with the HSC Trusts, the Northern Ireland Social Care Council and the Northern Ireland Association for Social Work.

The event was chaired by Paul Clark, broadcaster and hosted by Alderman Gavin Robinson, Lord Mayor of Belfast.

The Minister went on to highlight the recently launched Social Work Strategy which sets the future direction for the profession in Northern Ireland.

He said: “Social work in Northern Ireland leads the way in the UK in many areas. This strategy which I launched in April 2012 is a further sign of our commitment to the profession and our absolute determination to continue to improve social work services and make sure social workers are equipped and supported to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.”