Time to nominate your social services heroes
FRASER WILSON
Entries are now being taken for a national award to mark the efforts of those who help people with mental health issues.
The Scottish Social Services Awards aims to recognise the efforts of individuals, teams and organisations working in the social care sector.
And they are asking for locals in Lanarkshire to nominate the social work, health and community projects that they think deserve recognition for their work.
The awards are designed to acknowledge innovation, joinedup thinking and recognise people and organisations which help vulnerable people.
Minister for childcare and early years, Maree Todd MSP, said: “Mental health touches many lives in Scotland.
“From a young person struggling in school, or a colleague absent from work, to an elderly relative living with dementia.
“We have all seen, and often personally felt and experienced, the impact of mental health problems.
“Mental health is becoming increasingly important in our society and it’s great that this new special award will help recognise individuals contributions to such an important issue.”
This is the third year of the now annual awards ceremony, with organisers hoping to make it the best recognition of industry efforts yet.
Nominations should be submitted no later than February 15 and there are a number of categories in which achievements will be organised.
That includes those who strive to make change happen, those who demonstrate a different or an enlightened approach, and the bright sparks of the future.
One winner last year was Tommy Murphy, who was recognised for his outstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable people.
To make a recommendation, head to www.sssa.scot – finalists will be announced in March, with winners being unveiled at a celebration event in Edinburgh on June 5.