A COUNTY Durham social worker who was instrumental in setting up a new academy to train people coming into the industry has won an award.

Shelley Gill was described as "inspirational" by judges at the Social Worker of the Year Awards.

Ms Gill, who works for Durham County Council, was given a silver award for her work supporting and mentoring social work students and newly qualified social workers.

Helen Fergusson, the council’s head of children’s social care, said: “Shelley is an exceptional practitioner and has played a key part in the success of our workforce development programme and support to newly qualified social workers over the last three years. The award is very well deserved.”

The Northern Echo: County Durham social worker Shelley Gill picking up her awardCounty Durham social worker Shelley Gill picking up her award

The authority's Skill Mill project, which sees the council work with a range of other organisations to reduce crime, also won an award at the Children and Young People Now Awards.

Working with 16- to 18-year-olds who are in the top 10 per cent of serious and persistent offenders, the project aims to cut re-offending by offering young people who have offended six-month paid employment opportunities, teaching them new skills and helping them to engage with their community.

Three-quarters of young people enrolled in the programme have gone on to gain further employment following involvement in the initiative.

The county’s Youth Justice Service was also highly commended in the Youth Volunteering and Social Action category of the awards.

The Northern Echo: Members of the With Youth in Mind group, left to right, victim liaison officer Caroline McArdle, young team leader Emily Borland Molly Borland, volunteer Molly McArdle and deputy team manager Kate HowarthMembers of the With Youth in Mind group, left to right, victim liaison officer Caroline McArdle, young team leader Emily Borland Molly Borland, volunteer Molly McArdle and deputy team manager Kate Howarth

David Summers, manager of the County Durham Youth Justice Service, said: “We are delighted that these projects have received this recognition. These awards are considered the gold standard for people who work with young people, so we’re very proud to be involved in both winning and highly commended projects.

“The success of both initiatives in transforming the lives of disadvantaged young people is down to the amazing team work and collaboration of lots of partners, so I’d like to congratulate everyone involved.”