Alumni recognised in Social Work Awards

We are delighted to share that two former Think Ahead trainees are finalists in the Social Work Awards 2024.

Hannah Kingsford and Emma Crowe have both been announced as finalists in their two categories.

Emma Crowe – Mental Health Social Worker of the Year Finalist

Emma joined our programme in 2019, after volunteering for listening services and working in a children’s home.

She has been working in the adult mental health team at Stockton Council since 2021, with her award recongising people ‘providing outstanding support in a challenging and complex area’.

“I felt so surprised to be put forward by Stockton Council. I think as social workers we are always doing our best but never expect anything in return. When I heard I had been shortlisted I was so happy – I think it’s great recognition for both Think Ahead and Stockton Council who have always supported my development.”

“It’s really positive and I’m so pleased that the hard work is recognised. Hopefully, this will encourage others to join the profession – this is always one of my key goals.”

When I look at my fellow students and colleagues I honestly feel that it could be any of us.

Emma Crowe

“Outside of work, I volunteer to support the recruitment of new social work trainees onto the Think Ahead programme. I am passionate about speaking positively about my experience and encouraging others to apply for the mental health field. Although challenging, it’s very rewarding and no two days are ever the same, making it a really enjoyable experience.”

Hannah Kingsford – Practitioner-led Research Award Finalist

Hannah is a finalist in a new category this year which recognises people carrying out practitioner-led research or helping to build a research culture in a social care setting.

After finishing our programme in 2019, Hannah continued working in mental health social work until transitioning into learning disability social work. She then went on a secondment to Kent Research Partnership and is halfway through a research and training fellowship that builds social care practitioners research skills.

The whole profession is deserving of recognition and celebration on a larger scale and these awards are a brilliant part of that.

Hannah Kingsford

“Being nominated and shortlisted for a Social Work Award was genuinely a huge surprise – social work is not a role where you expect much recognition, so to even have been considered for an award is a massive honour.”

“Workforce wellbeing is a topic very close to my heart. It definitely needs further attention following a tough four to five years for the health and social care workforce. My current research project is exploring burnout in social workers, specifically through a trauma-informed lens.”

The award ceremony

The award ceremony will be held in November where the winners will be announced. We wish Emma and Hannah the best of luck!

Find out more about the Social Work Awards here.