A social worker from Grimsby has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of their extraordinary contribution to social work practice.
NAViGO’s Suzanne Brown has been selected as a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards.
A dedicated member of our acute mental health provision, Suzanne’s early career saw her work in children’s services before qualifying as a social worker as a mature student, while being mum to five children and running a guest house.
In 2004, she became the first social worker to join the adult crisis team and was integral in the creation of our purpose built acute mental health facility Harrison House.
It was here where her career truly flourished. A dedicated interest in supporting individual’s with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD) saw her undertake a degree in Acute Mental Health, qualify as a cognitive behavioural therapist and open a ground-breaking therapeutic community for people with EUPD, accredited by the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
An advocate for people who struggle with mental health difficulties, Suzanne continues to work tirelessly to support individuals in all aspects of their day-to-day life and deliver high-quality care.
Suzanne is one of six finalists in the Lifetime Achievement Award category and will find out if she has won at a special awards ceremony in London on Friday 4 November.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognises an individual who has dedicated their entire working life to social work and has consistently made a positive difference within their community.
NAViGO assistant director of legislative services Ellie Walsh said: “We’re extremely proud of Suzanne and delighted that she has been nominated for such a prestigious award.
“Her passion, dedication and commitment to her work is valued by everyone at NAViGO from members of her team, to staff across all areas and by our service users whose lives she has made such a difference to.
“She is a true leader, educator and advocate for the profession, as well as a good person.”
Peter Hay CBE, chair of the Social Work Awards, said: “We are delighted with the fantastic entries received this year. As a charity, our aim is to shine a light on the inspirational achievements of an often-overlooked profession.
“Thank you to all the people who took the time out of their day to nominate a friend, colleague, or team for an award this year. And, to all our finalists, congratulations! Being nominated for a national award, whilst supporting others during very challenging times, is a remarkable achievement of which you should be very proud.”
