Shropshire social work team shortlisted for top award

A Shropshire social work team has been nominated for a prestigious national award. 

People2People, a pilot practice, has been shortlisted for the Adult Services Social Work Team of the Year, in the Social Worker of the Year awards. 

The awards recognise the achievements of social workers and social work teams in both children’s and adult services.

People2People looks at different ways of providing social work support to ensure it best suits people’s needs, and helps them to be more active and independent.  

Shropshire Council is one of just six councils across England which received funding from the Government to pilot the social work practice.  The pilot has been extended to March 2014, and is likely to continue after this.

The scheme was initially set up in central Shrewsbury and has expanded into south Shropshire under a not-for-profit community interest company.  The board of directors includes people who use the service, staff, non-executive directors and representatives from Shropshire Council.

Sue Bunker, senior social worker in Shrewsbury, said:

“We are really excited to have been nominated for this award.

“What matters to us is developing creative person-centred ways to support people to improve their independence, and it is great to be recognised nationally for the work we do.”

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services – transformation and safeguarding, said:

“This category looks for outstanding teams working in adult services who can show they are excelling and making a difference to the lives of the people they support.

“The nomination reflects how the People2People team achieves this aim; they make a difference by putting individuals at the forefront of everything that they do, giving people more choice over their care and involving people who receive support in the running of services.

“It is a real achievement to be shortlisted, especially as the number of entries to this year’s awards was a record high.  I wish the team all the best in the awards and wholeheartedly hope they are announced as the winners.”

People2People is one of five finalists shortlisted in the Adult Services Social Work Team category.

The winners will be announced on 29 November 2013 in London.

For more information on the awards go to www.socialworkawards.com.

For more details about People2People click here.