A social worker from East Huntspill has been honoured for her contribution to the profession at the national Social Worker of the Year Awards.
Chris Denovan, who works for Somerset County Council, picked up the silver award in the Lifetime Achievement category at the prestigious event which took place last week in London.
The award recognises social workers who have made a lifetime career of social work and have become a role model and inspiration to the profession.
Chris has worked for Somerset County Council for 42 years, starting her career as a volunteer working with young people with physical disabilities before becoming a social work assistant then qualifying as social worker in 2000.
Since 2005 she has managed the innovative West Somerset team, helping people remain independent and live the lives they want to live.
Earlier this year Chris and her team appeared in a BBC Panorama documentary which highlighted the important role of social work and adult social care.
The judging panel described Chris as a well-respected and dedicated social worker, who has been instrumental in improving outcomes for people in Somerset over an impressive career spanning four decades.
Maris Stratulis, National Director at award supporter the British Association of Social Workers, said: “Congratulations to Chris for winning the silver award for Lifetime Achievement. She has worked tirelessly to support vulnerable people in her local community and should be extremely proud of the legacy she has built over many years.”
The awards were hosted by TV chef and emotional wellness advocate, Lorraine Pascale, in front of an audience of over 450 social workers and representatives of the profession. The awards are organised by The Social Work Awards charity, which aims to improve public awareness and understanding of social work by showing the positive impact of social workers in the wide range of roles they undertake.
This year the awards received a record-breaking number of nominations and 94 social workers and social work teams in both children’s and adult services were selected as finalists across 16 different categories. The Social Worker of the Year Awards are supported by headline sponsor Sanctuary Personnel.
Pictured: Chris Denovan (second from left) with (L-R) Maris Stratulis, National Director at award supporter the British Association of Social Workers; TV chef and emotional wellness advocate Lorraine Pascale; and James Rook, Chief Executive of Headline Sponsor Sanctuary Personnel
