Hampshire County Council team shortlisted in Social Worker of the Year Awards

Work by a Hampshire County Council social care team to help young people with complex needs make the transition to adulthood has gained national recognition – having been shortlisted in the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Hampshire County Council’s Independent Futures Team (IFT) is a finalist in the Team of the Year Adult Services category. The IFT supports around 150 young people every year with their transition into adulthood and independent living. Comprising eight social care practitioners, the team provides personalised support plans for each young person referred to them, as well as support from a dedicated worker to help each young person to grow and flourish in the next phase of their lives.

Executive Member for Adult Services and Public Health at the County Council, Councillor Liz Fairhurst, said: “I would like to congratulate the entire team. Being shortlisted is an excellent achievement in itself. The work of the Independent Futures Team is so important in helping young people navigate a stage in their life which can often be challenging, but even more so for those with additional needs. Our social workers provide much-needed stability through the personalised care and support they provide, and in assisting young people to overcome particular obstacles and challenges as they strive to lead independent futures. The team’s dedication and compassion in all they do has been instrumental in helping to transform the experiences of hundreds of young people who have gone on to enjoy happy and fulfilling lives.”

The awards final will take place in London on 4 November. To find out more, see Social Worker of the Year Awards | Celebrating Social Work (socialworkawards.com)

To find out more about how the County Council supports young people to transition to adulthood, visit: Transition to adulthood | Health and social care | Hampshire County Council (hants.gov.uk)