Local NHS Trust social worker shortlisted for national award

A social worker at a local NHS Trust has been recognised at a national award, for her continued hard work and commitment to mental health services.

Helen Pye, who works in the focus team at South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has been shortlisted for the ‘Mental Health Social Worker of the Year’ award at the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2015.

Launched in 2010, the focus team provide Forensic Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) services in Wakefield.

Helen began her career as a social worker in 2009 and joined the Trust in 2012. The nomination recognises Helen’s ongoing work to improve services for young people including leading a project to reduce waiting times.

The Social Worker of the Year awards celebrate the achievements of practitioners in both children and adult services across the UK, and this year 68 social workers and teams have been shortlisted across 15 categories.

Helen said: “I am delighted to have been shortlisted – it took me by complete surprise. I’m really nervous about the awards evening but I have got my fingers crossed.

“I love working in the specialist forensic CAMHS team. It is an interesting area of work and I learn so much.”

Paula Philips, service manager for the forensic CAMHS said: “I am over the moon that a social worker employed in health has been shortlisted for the award.

“Helen is an outstanding, committed, enthusiastic member of the team. She is a hard-working, skilled and valued team member who deserves recognition for all she brings to the service and those who use it.”

The winners will be announced at a ceremony in London on Friday 27 November.