Making a difference every day: social workers recognised for impact in communities 

Two North Lincolnshire Council social workers have been recognised nationally for the incredible difference they make every day to residents’ lives. 

Senior social worker and approved mental health professional Debbie Dobson has been shortlisted for the Mental Health Social Worker of the Year award, while Helen Rose, the council’s head of adult safeguarding, is a finalist in the Practice Leadership and Management, Adults category. 

Cllr Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: “It is fantastic to see Debbie and Helen being recognised nationally for their commitment and compassion for supporting others.   

“Our social workers make a difference to people’s lives every day – supporting residents through the toughest of times, protecting the most vulnerable, helping people live independently and to build better futures for themselves. 

“This recognises the quality, compassion and commitment of all the teams here in North Lincolnshire.” 

Finalists were selected by a panel of independent judges, including previous award winners, social workers, sector leaders and people with lived experience of social work. The winners will be revealed at a special event on Friday 17 October at The Midland Hotel in Manchester.   

Cllr Richard Hannigan, cabinet member for adults and health, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Debbie and Helen. Their dedication to supporting vulnerable people is truly inspiring, and this recognition highlights the positive impact they have on individuals, families and our communities every single day.” 

From safeguarding adults to supporting people with mental health needs, social workers in North Lincolnshire are playing a vital role in helping people to live safer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. 

The Social Worker of the Year Awards, now in their 19th year, is the only major national awards event for social work in England. It celebrates exceptional contributions to the profession and aims to raise public awareness of the vital work social workers do.  

There are 18 award categories, plus an Overall Social Worker of the Year selected by the Board of Trustees from the gold winners. Categories include long-standing awards like Mental Health Social Worker of the Year and Lifetime Achievement, along with three new ones: International Social Work, and Practice Leadership and Management for Children and Adults. 

The winners of the awards will be announced in October. Speaking about the announcement, Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “Our heartfelt congratulations to Debbie Dobson and Helen Rose. Being shortlisted is a powerful endorsement of their contribution to social work. This recognition honours not only their dedication but the values that drive the whole profession; compassion, resilience and a commitment to change.”  

For more information about the awards, visit the Social Worker of the Year Awards website.

If you want to be part of the team that helps people every day of the year – visit the jobs page.