HEALTH and social care professionals have been celebrated at an award ceremony.

University of Worcester held its annual mentor awards in collaboration with its NHS practice partners, recognising the work of 28 individual mentors and 11 teams.

Rebecca Clarke, Angela Goulden and Anna Meredith from Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust were amongst the winners.

Jane Perry, associate head of the university’s institute of health and society, said: “Excellent mentors are the key to successful practice learning for many students.

“In holding this award ceremony each year, we recognise and celebrate the professionals who make an outstanding contribution to our students.”

From Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust Merril Davies and Victoria Wormleighton were rewarded for their work.

Jo Stewart and Kelly Newton from the independent sector as well as Lisa Cook from Worcestershire Ambulance Locality were also celebrated.

Andrea Sutcliffe, chief inspector of social care at the Care Quality Commission, gave the evening’s opening address and presented the awards.

Charlotte Miles from 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Sarah Weaver of South Worcestershire CCG, Sarah-Jayne Robertson for social work and Ann Nicholls for youth and community work were also recognised.

Leanne Carter was a winner in the foundation degrees category, Devin Pearson in the applied criminology category, David Jenkins for long service mentoring, Lily Zhou for aspiring mentor/ supportive colleague, Jaspal Singh for post-qualifying courses and Jane Smart winning for multi-disciplinary mentoring.

In terms of teams, St Richard's Hospice's in-patient unit team won an award in the CCG/ independent sector, whilst Cornmeadow early years and families secured an award for foundation degrees.

Lorraine Deeprose, from Cornmeadow early years and families in Checkets Lane, Worcester said: “We were so overwhelmed to be nominated, but to actually win was unbelievable. To be able to offer the University of Worcester students their first insight into being an Early Years Professional is a responsibility.

"These are our future practitioners and teachers so it is paramount they get good practice learning environments, with the right help and support.”

YSS Limited won an award for applied criminology, Worcester Community Trust winning for youth and community, SHYPP getting an award for social work, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust for assertive outreach team and Worcestershire Health & Care NHS Trust winning for early intervention service.

Sarah Needham, lead nurse for education at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, added: “We’re proud to support this year’s Mentor Awards in recognition of the commitment of our staff to student learning.

"On behalf of the Trust I would like to say thank you to all our mentors who make such a difference to the students they work with and offer our congratulations to this year’s winners.”