A children’s social worker at Southend-on-Sea City Council has been nominated for a national award due to her amazing work supporting local children.
Brittany was nominated by a foster carer as part of World Social Work Day on 19 March which sees The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) celebrating inspirational social workers and their achievements throughout March.
Brittany has worked as a social worker for the council for over six years and is a shining example of the creative social work practice taking place in Southend and across the UK, making a positive difference to the people and communities they support.
Brittany's award nomination highlighted why she is an amazing social worker. The foster carer shared how Brittany has worked alongside the children by holding their hands through their journey in care and how she always advocates in their best interests.
Over the years Brittany has demonstrated excellent social work practice and simple acts of kindness and compassion, whilst always listening to and supporting the children in any way she can. Brittany's involvement has helped the children secure a stable and long-term home with their foster carer. Finally, the foster carer shared how nominating Brittany was their way of saying thank you on behalf of the children and her family.
Brittany shared why she finds it so rewarding to be a children's social worker for the council: “Being able to spend time working directly with children is what I love most about my job. Some of the children I support have not had the best start in life but by spending time with them, listening to them and helping support them in any way I can, I hope that I'm making a difference to a child's live.
“It really is heart-warming, especially when they share their achievements with me both big and small, that's the best feeling and makes me proud to do the job I do.”
Councillor Helen Boyd, cabinet member for children's services, education and learning, said: “I want to take this opportunity to thank Brittany for the incredible work she does and congratulate her on receiving this nationally-recognised award.
“This is a fantastic achievement and highlights the amazing work our social workers do to help the children of Southend.
“If Brittany's story inspires you, please do get in touch with us to find out more about joining our amazing social work team.”
The council is urging more people, like Brittany, to come forward if they are interested in making a difference in the lives of local children. If you are interested, you can find out more about a career in social work.