OVER 300 foster carers, health care professionals and social workers will gather to celebrate the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

OVER 300 foster carers, health care professionals and social workers will gather to celebrate the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Created in 2006 by Essex County Council (ECC) the awards give recognition to the challenging work of qualified social workers. Now in their fifth year, they demonstrate the commitment of social workers across the UK to change lives for the better.

Creator of the awards, Beverley Williams, said: “It is immensely rewarding to see this event grow year upon year. Social work is such a demanding career that it is important to recognise the achievements of those in the profession. I hope to see many of our Essex social workers represented at the event.”

ECC’s cabinet member for children’s services, Cllr Sarah Candy, said: “This is a fantastic event and I’m very proud that one of our very own Essex social workers had the drive and initiative to create the event from scratch.

“I would like to encourage people to nominate their social worker – or social workers to nominate themselves! – and let’s showcase the great work that social workers do in Essex.”

This year’s event takes place on Saturday October 30, where guests can enjoy a three course meal, the awards ceremony and live entertainment. Tickets cost �40 and can be purchased from http://www.socialworkersawards.org/

You can nominate someone for an award by visiting socialworkersawards.org or by e-mailing admin@socialworkerawards.org. The closing date is Friday October 1.