Social worker shortlisted for top national award

A social worker from University Hospitals Dorset has been shortlisted for the Children’s Social Worker of the Year accolade in recognition of her ‘extraordinary practice’.

Barbara Parker is a specialist palliative care social worker based in the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital. She works closely with children and young people whose parent or caregiver is receiving end of life care andcontinues to support the child in bereavement.

The Social Worker of the Year Awards recognise and celebrate the challenging work that qualified social workers do every day, and Barbara was nominated by her colleagues. One of six finalists, she will find out if she has won at a special awards ceremony in London on 3 November.

Lucy Short, patient and family support team leader in the Macmillan Unit, said: “Barbara is an exceptional social worker. The families she supports - at one of the most challenging times of their lives - are supported to find their own strength, resources and often hope beyond the loss. Barbara's colleagues value her experience and insight hugely, and her heart, her passion and her creativity shines through on a daily basis.”

Barbara is also the safeguarding lead for children in the specialist palliative care service, promotes the rights and welfare of young people during national events such as Children’s Grief Awareness Week, and works closely in partnership with many local schools, mental health services, social services and GP surgeries.

She is well known in the team for her creativity and uses a wide range of imaginative ideas in her work, including play therapy, arts and crafts, and creative writing.

Barbara has worked as a children’s and young people social worker for over 30 years and her current role is funded by Macmillan Caring Locally, the charity that supports the Macmillan Unit in Christchurch.

Barbara said: “I am very proud to have been shortlisted and this showcases how brilliant the whole team is. Young people need realistic reassurance and I am driven to give children the tools they need now to navigate their loss throughout their life. I love my job and I am proud to be a social worker.”