Lancashire social worker shortlisted for top national award

Tracy Bell, who works for the West Lancs hospital discharge team, has been selected as one of six finalists for the 'Newly Qualified Adult Social Worker of the Year' category at the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards.

She will find out if she has won at an awards ceremony in London on Friday, November 4.

Having completed a BA (Hons) degree in social work, Tracy, who lives locally, began working for the county council in May 2021 as a social care support worker. After graduating and completing her registration, she took up her current role as a social worker in July 2021.

In her early career, Tracey worked in hospitality and various care roles while supporting her young family. She then worked as a receptionist in a health and wellbeing centre, which is where her desire to become a social worker began: "I developed a keen interest in people's health and wellbeing. I saw how crucial it was for social workers, GPs and other organisations to work closely together in a coordinated way to support people.

"I thought about progressing my career so that I could continue to help others. Social work, particularly hospital discharge support was always the area I was most interested in. "

Tracy's role includes working with people and families, especially people with complex care needs.

Her job is to ensure people are discharged from hospital in a timely way, or avoid an unnecessary admission, working in partnership with other health and care organisations. Tracy carries out assessments and reviews of people's care needs at their own home or in a care home.

Organising crisis support, working with other professionals to ensure equipment is in place in people's homes and liaising with other agencies to put the right care packages in place are key parts of her job.

She added: "I was so pleased to be nominated and to have reached the finals. I work in such a wonderful and supportive team. I can see their passion daily and my approach is the same as theirs.

"People have said such lovely things. I'm particularly grateful to my manager Jonathan, I couldn't have asked for a better practice manager and he's really helped me to increase my confidence.

"I'm also grateful to my husband and my family, who have been there throughout to support me.

"I'd recommend getting into social work whether you're starting out, or switching careers like me. It's a very rewarding job where you get to meet lots of people and make a huge difference to their lives."

Jonathon Leonard, integrated clinical lead, who nominated her, said: "Tracy is one of the most devoted, passionate, and pragmatic newly qualified social workers I have met since starting with the authority myself seven years ago. Tracy is an asset to her team and to Lancashire County Council.

"I've seen her continued growth and development, as she becomes a more confident and capable practitioner. She is a valued and hard-working member of the team and thoroughly deserves her nomination."

County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for adult social care, said: "Congratulations to Tracy on her nomination.

"Her work is absolutely crucial. Tracy and her colleagues play a huge part in our health and care system, ensuring people are discharged from hospital in a timely way, with the right support to live as independently as possible. Good luck to Tracy in the national finals."

For more information about the awards, visit www.socialworkawards.com