Council worker of the year from Salford young people's service
This is an archived news story from July 2010
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A social worker for Salford, who champions the rights of young people with learning disabilities, has been named council worker of the year at the prestigious local government awards.
Joanne Butterworth, known as Joe, a therapeutic social worker for young people, was nominated for the national award after being named as Salford City Council employee of the year just a year ago.
Said Joe: "I am really overwhelmed but proud to win the award, though it's the young people themselves who do all the hard work.
Many of them tell me they don't feel listened to or properly understood. Hopefully through the work we do, I provide the opportunity for them to be themselves and have their voices heard."
Joe works with young people and their families across Salford, tackling discrimination against young people with learning disabilities. She also helps teenagers and parents communicate better about sexual health issues and growing up.
Residents were encouraged to support Joe to win, through a 'Vote Joe, vote Salford' campaign, telling people how to vote online or by text. Life size cut outs of Joe were also placed in council buildings, to let people know she had been nominated.
Barbara Spicer, chief executive of Salford City Council said: "Joe has a never ending enthusiasm for her work and has set up a number of new ways of working to ensure young people's voices are heard, she really is a credit to Salford. This award shows that nationally, as well as locally, Joe is recognised as a truly committed and skilled individual."
- Date published
- Monday, 19 July 2010
- Reference number
- 10-2659
Press and media enquiries only:
- Name
- Leila Hogarth
- Telephone
- 0161 793 2913
- public.relations@salford.gov.uk
