18th March 2025
Social workers in the Southern Health and Social Care Trust have been celebrated for their exceptional daily contributions as part of World Social Work Day.
The Trust hosted a special recognition event to honour social workers nominated for the upcoming Regional Social Work Awards, set to take place later this month.
The awards, which celebrate the dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland, feature eight categories, designed to recognise the diverse roles within the profession. More than 30 Social work staff from the Southern Trust have been nominated across seven of these categories – Nurturing Development, Contribution to Leadership, Rising Star, Spirit of Social Work, People’s Choice, Co-Production and the Sunshine Award. Additionally, three teams have been acknowledged for their outstanding efforts in making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Nominees and their nominators came together to celebrate each other’s achievements and recognise the unique contributions they make as social workers.
Colm McCafferty, Southern Trust Executive Director of Social Work said:
“It is important that we take the time to recognise the daily efforts of our social workers, who consistently go above and beyond their professional remit to build positive relationships with families and reduce risks for the most vulnerable in society. Social work is a unique professional because it empowers individuals, families and communities, working alongside them to address social issues and promote positive change. We do this through advocacy and by providing support, practical help, and above all, by adhering to our core social work values.
“I want to thank managers and colleagues who nominated their peers for these awards, acknowledging the valuable contribution they make. We must continue to celebrate good practice, innovation and creativity, just as much as we need to reflect on and learn from situations when things don’t go as planned.
“Each nomination is a strong affirmation of the contribution our social workers make within their teams, to our service users and to the profession as a whole.
“We know that recognition and celebration of others’ efforts are key in fostering a positive, thriving and nurturing workplace culture.”
| Award | Nominees shortlisted |
| Contribution to Social Work Leadership award | Paula Ann McArdle, Sharon McCaughey, Louise McVeigh, Bernie Collins, Jessica Wylie, Charlene McGuigan and Ann McMahon |
| Sunshine award | CarrieAnn Malcolmson, Paula McBride, Marsha Begley, Sinead O’Hagan, Rachel Burnie. |
| Nurturing Development award | CAMHS team, Fergal O’Brien and Social Services Learning and Development Team |
| Rising Star award | Colleen Loye, Lucie Snowden, Lynette Dodds, Melissa Irvine, Jamie Irving, Sabrina Harbinson, Shauneen Quinn, Sophie Dornan. |
| Co-Production award | Naoimh McGlone, 14+ Service and Service User Group |
| Spirit of SW award | Cara O’Connor, Craigene Wilkinson, Janine McCauley, Clare White, Lorraine Grimely, Lois Pue, Jeananne Jackson, Valerie McCartney, Aine McCooe, Paula Ann McArdle. |
| People’s Choice award | Sarah McVey, Leanne Clifford |
