Lancashire social worker highly commended for prestigious award

A social worker supporting children with disabilities in Lancashire has been highly commended for Social Worker of the Year as part of the National Children and Young People Awards.

Sophie Hopcroft works across central Lancashire and was nominated this summer. Following an interview with the judging panel, she was shortlisted alongside eight others in the UK.

Sophie said: "I wanted to be that person to safeguard children and young people in the way I wanted as a child. What I do is a true privilege.

"I have been a social worker in the Children with Disabilities Team for four years, and each day brings a different challenge or experience. The children, young people and families that I work with inspire me to continue to develop professionally despite the current strain on resources linked to the pandemic. I could not have done this without the amazing support from my colleagues and managers."

Laura Friar, Team Manager within the Children with Disabilities team and Sophie's manager, said: "I am personally so proud of Sophie. To watch her develop and flourish has been wonderful. Sophie is an absolute credit to the social work profession, always going above and beyond whilst ensuring she enables positive impact for the children and families she supports. What an achievement for her!"

The National Children and Young People Awards celebrate excellence in care for children, young people and families, showcase innovation and best practice in this area and pay tribute to those individuals or organisation who excel in quality care provision.

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Cabinet Member for Children and Families, said: "Sophie should be immensely proud of herself, as we all are. Her work in supporting children with disabilities in Lancashire is exemplary and our Lancashire family is incredibly lucky to have her.

"Congratulations Sophie and well done!"