Social worker recognised for supporting her local community

Anita Chiumia, who works in Adult Social Care, is the latest winner of the Randip Bhogal Safeguarding Award.

It is named after Randip, the service manager for Adult Safeguarding Service, who died in 2020 at the age of 53.

His brother Popinder Bhogal attended a ceremony at County Hall in Preston where Anita was named as the overall winner of the award.

She was nominated by her manager in recognition of her work in Preston to support those who may be struggling or feeling isolated.

In her submission, her manager said they wanted to recognise Anita's "consistent kindness, humility, person-centred approach, and dedication to serving people in our community."

Pictured: Principal Social Worker Jon Soros with Anita Chiumia

Anita is one of the team leaders of volunteers from Preston Seventh-Day Adventist Church who feed up to 50 people at Grimshaw Community Centre and offer support to those who need it.

They also hand out food and clothing that has been donated for people to take home with them.

This has been recognised as an important contribution to the safeguarding of vulnerable people as Anita and other volunteers can spot any concerns about their health or wellbeing, and encourage them to seek help if appropriate.

She aspires to expand the service further by recruiting volunteers with counselling skills, and they also support young people who are completing the Duke of Edinburgh's award.

Anita said: 

"I am thrilled to have been presented with the Randip Bhogal award and it's amazing to be recognised for my work.  I love helping people and a little kindness goes a long way.

"I work with an amazing team at the council and have had lots of support from my manager.

"I hope that I can continue to help lots of people both as a social worker and through my volunteering."

Councillor Graham Dalton, cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said: 

"We are so proud of Anita and the whole safeguarding team who support people when they need it most, without judgment, and help them decide what changes could be made to keep them safe.

"If you have any concerns about someone you know then please reach out and we can investigate those concerns. If the person doesn't need our help then we can help them reach the right person or service that can support them."

If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult then you can report a concern using our online Safeguarding Portal

You can also call Lancashire County Council on 0300 123 6720. In an emergency, please call 999.