The BEE Awards were set up by Oxford Health in 2022 to acknowledge and reward the excellent work of the Trust’s Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) and Social workers.

There are 14 different disciplines in the AHP family. Oxford Health has eight of them embedded in its mental and community health settings across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.

Jess has worked in the Trust’s South Adult Mental Health team since qualifying as a social worker two years ago. And there was a surprise at a recent team meeting when Catherine Sage, Head of Service for Mental Health Urgent Care, Social Care, and Adult Eating Disorder Service walked in.

Jess explained: “When Catherine Sage arrived she was holding the award and asked if I knew what it was. She then explained that I’d been put forward twice for a BEE Award and read out the nominations.

“Everyone was in on it and I had no idea – it was a real shock. It was really nice and was nice after a bit of a stressful period at work and a reminder that what I do is worthwhile. It was a really nice feeling.

“My role – a mental health social worker and care coordinator – is something I have wanted to specialise in since doing my degree. When this position came up I moved here from Birmingham.

“It’s really nice to have the recognition so would say to anyone reading this, whether they are a patient or colleague, if you know an Allied Health Professional or social worker who has made a difference then 100% nominate them.”

Lisa McKue, Jess’ line manager, said in her nomination: ”I have been struck by the professionalism, care and support that she delivers to people who have contact with our services. Despite being only in her second year post-qualifying she has demonstrated a strong social work voice in a medical dominated field and is an empowering advocate upholding vulnerable people’s rights from a social perspective.”

Andrew Molodynski, consultant psychiatrist in the team, explained in his nomination: “Jess joined the team as a newly qualified social worker and has quickly become an indispensable team member. She is hard working and deeply caring towards both her patients and her colleagues. We are lucky to have her on our team.”

If you have received excellent care and treatment from an Allied Health Professional or a Social Worker the BEE Awards are your opportunity to say thank you. Find out more about the BEE awards here.