National recognition for some of our amazing social workers

The British Association of Social Workers are showcasing Amazing Social Workers from across the UK this week, which includes two teams from Lancashire County Council.

Mairead Gill-Mullarkey and the Mental Health Management team have been recognised along with Nancy Livesey who is a Children with Disabilities Service team manager.

They were nominated by county council colleagues for their outstanding work.

Mairead's team are responsible for undertaking assessments under the Care Act and Mental Health Act and respond to referrals 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The team includes social workers, occupational therapists and psychologists and liaises with the NHS to support people to live independently.

Mairead said:  "We were absolutely thrilled to be nominated and we are really proud to be part of a team who have been recognised for all of their hard work.

"It's a pleasure to lead such a wonderful group of people, as the team work so hard to support the people of Lancashire. Plus, we are just one part of an amazing Adult Social Care team."

The Children with Disabilities Service support children and young people from birth to 18-years-old (up to 25 where young people are care leavers) who have severe and profound disabilities, including complex and life-shortening health conditions. 

The service undertakes the full range of social work tasks and statutory duties, including undertaking assessments, supporting children in need, children in need of protection and children in Lancashire's care and care leavers. 

Pictured: Nancy Livesey

Nancy said:  "I am honoured to have been nominated for my contribution to social work and proud to be part of the Children with Disabilities Service.

"I am incredibly lucky to work with a team of dedicated and passionate social workers, who go above and beyond to support the children and families we work with. The commitment of my team, for the families they support inspires me as a manager, and the strengths reflected in my nomination are very much the values that are held by my team and embodied by the service I work for.

"I am extremely grateful to all the amazing practitioners who have shaped my own social work journey through the years, including the managers who have influenced my leadership skills. I am very fortunate to work for a service which embraces autonomy and creativity and celebrates the successes of our children."

County Councillor Graham Gooch, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: 

"Mairead and her team play a vital role in supporting people with mental health conditions and helping them to live independently.

"Our social workers make sure that they listen to people and support them to make decisions about their future.

"We want to welcome more people into our fantastic adult social care team and are looking to fill roles including social workers and occupational therapists."

County Councillor Cosima Towneley, cabinet member for Children and Families, said: 

"This is a well deserved accolade for a tremendous team led by Nancy.  We love to celebrate the successes of the children that Nancy and her team support, so to see their efforts being recognised is wonderful.'

"I think all of our social workers are amazing, and it's important to highlight the incredible work that Nancy has been doing. Nancy and her team give a voice to families and children who need support.

"We are passionate about making a difference to the lives of local families and advocating for them, and we're always looking for more people to support that work."

If you are interested in finding out more about a career in adult social care please visit Careers in Adult Services - Lancashire County Council.

If you'd like to find out more about working in children social care please visit Careers in Children's Services - Lancashire County Council.