Tommy honoured
A support worker has seen his efforts rewarded with a national social services award.
Tommy Murphy has been working at Motherwell charity Support for Ordinary Living (SOL) for nearly two years.
Through the group, the 64-year-old has built up a “really positive” working relationship with autistic Coltness lad Brian Denny, who Tommy has been mentoring since he started.
Their journey saw Tommy lift the Untold Story Award at the recent Scottish Social Services Awards, held in Edinburgh on June 6.
Tommy said he was “over the moon” when he discovered he’d won the prize. “It’s an award for the whole team,” an ecstatic Tommy explained.
“They’ve given me so much training and I’ve developed my skills massively.
“That has in turn helped me develop Brian’s confidence. He’s a new man now and putting a smile on his face has made all the hard work worthwhile.”
Tommy, who stays in Carfin, developed Brian’s social skills in part by introducing him to the local gym and promoting exercise.
Tommy added: “It’s very difficult for autistic people to look at a person in the eye, but now he is comfortable in big groups at the gym and chats with everyone. It’s amazing how well he’s developed.
“Brian was there at the ceremony as well and he really enjoyed it.”
SOL director Donna Thomson said: “Tommy is a support worker who has a unique ability to bring out the best in young people and encourages them to reach their full potential. He has a natural gift of building trust and developing positive relationships. His impact on individuals has been strongly praised.”