Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
NORMA’S AWARDS HONOUR
‘Outstanding commitment’
The manager of an Airdrie children’s house has been honoured at the inaugural scottish social services awards.
Norma Lawrie won the “untold story” category at the ceremony in Crieff, recognising “an inspiring individual who thinks they’re just doing their job but whose approach makes it so much more than that”.
She has worked in residential care for 25 years, and has been the manager of Forrest Street children’s house in Clarkston since it opened nearly a decade ago.
Norma said: “I’m very overwhelmed and feel ecstatic to have won.
“This award is for all the young people who I have worked for over the years, and for the young person who nominated me.”
Judges said the nomination praising Norma was “a heartwarming, humbling and inspirational entry which made them laugh, cry and proud to be part of Scottish social services”, calling her “a remarkable individual to so many people”.
Her winning nomination came from a former resident, who said: “She is a pillar of strength in what can be an extremely chaotic life in the care system.
“She’s hard-working, strongwilled, determined and so passionate about creating the best life possible for every young person she comes into contact with.
“Norma has and continues to make every young person feel loved, wanted and capable of everything and anything.
“If there is anything you need help with, she does her utmost.”
Forrest Street, which can accommodate up to six residents aged between eight and 18, received top grades across the board in its last Care Inspectorate assessment in 2013.
It earned the highest possible grade-six ranking, “excellent”, in the Care Inspectorate’s four assessment categories of quality of care & support, management & leadership, environment and staffing.
Norma was one of just 10 winners from 155 submitted entries to the inaugural awards, established by the Scottish Social Services Forum to celebrate the work carried out by the sector’s 200,000 workers.
Supporters praised her “outstanding commitment to caring for children” and the “huge difference” she has made to the lives of the young people in her care.
Also nominated at the ceremony – which was compered by childcare minister Mark McDonald and broadcaster Sally Magnusson – were North Lanarkshire youth advocacy service in the “head above the parapet” category, and Lanarkshire carers’ centre in the “carers’ champion” section for its short break carers’ information service.