1st October 2026
Social workers from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust have been recognised at the 2026 Professional in Practice (PiP) Awards, which celebrate achievement and excellence in social work across Northern Ireland.
The awards recognise social workers who have demonstrated a commitment to continuous professional development and lifelong learning through the Professional in Practice framework.
More than 30 Southern Trust social workers received awards across a wide range of specialist pathways, including Initial Professional Development, Children and Families, Mental Health, Risk Assessment, Adult Safeguarding, Education and Training Practice Teaching, Social Work and Community Development, Systemic Practice and Family Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioural Practice.
The awards were presented at a ceremony in Belfast attended by social workers and organisations from across Northern Ireland. This year’s theme, ‘Creating Safer Futures: Social Work Responses to Domestic Violence and Abuse’, highlighted the important role social workers play in supporting individuals, families and communities.
Bryan Gormley, Social Work Development Lead / PiP Representative with the Southern Trust said:
“The Professional in Practice Awards recognise the dedication, professionalism and commitment to learning demonstrated by our social workers every day. We are incredibly proud of all our colleagues who achieved awards this year. Their commitment to continually developing their knowledge and skills helps ensure people who use our services receive the highest standard of support and care.
“The Learning and Development Team was delighted to support colleagues throughout their PiP journey and celebrate their achievements at this year’s awards ceremony.”
List of winners
NI Consolidation Award recipients
Rachel Bloomfield – Initial Professional Development
Erin Cousins – Cognitive Behavioural Practice
Caoimbhe Cushnahan -Cognitive Behavioural Practice
Jaime Irving – Initial Professional Development
Colette McCullagh – Initial Professional Development
Lynn McGrath – Initial Professional Development
Brigin McWilliams – Initial Professional Development
Hannah Mowbray – Initial Professional Development
NI Specialist Award recipients
Lisa Fullerton – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
Tracey Gillen – Risk Assessment
Kirsten Harrison – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
Olga Harvey – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
Lynsey Hewitt – Risk Assessment
Nicola Hogg – Risk Assessment
Lesa Johnston – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
Lesa Johnston – Risk Assessment
Alan Kingsmill – Mental Health – Approved Social Work
Orlagh Loughran – Adult Safeguarding
Rosamund Lyness – Risk Assessment
Rebekah McKeown – Risk Assessment
Beverley Martin – Risk Assessment
Marie-Claire Morgan – Systemic Practice and Family Therapy
Madeline Newport – Risk Assessment
Tara O’Conboirne – Risk Assessment
MarySue O’Hare – Social Work and Community Development
Nicola Pearson – Risk Assessment
Donna Quinn – Risk Assessment
Teresa Quinn – Education and Training – Practice Teaching
Linda Rocks – Risk Assessment
Stephanie Rodgers – Risk Assessment
Lorna Somerville – Risk Assessment
Catherine Stirrup – Risk Assessment
Aine Watters – Social Work and Community Development
Rachel Weir – Mental Health – Approved Social Work