Mollie Ward, who is a young person’s link worker, was named Employee of the Year at the Voluntary Sector Awards 2022 for her contribution to the emerging area of social prescribing.
Based in the HUB at the Technique Stadium as part of the Thr1ve Children and Young People’s Social Prescribing Service, Mollie works with young people aged 14 to 25 who face challenges that prevent them from reaching their full potential.
Commenting on her award, Mollie said: “It feels absolutely fantastic to win the award and it was definitely a surprise, but I feel really grateful.
“I was honoured to have at first been nominated for the award and then to have received it. I genuinely love what I do, and I am passionate about it. It really is the best job in the world.
“I come to work with young people, and I get to know all of their stories, work with them and their families and hopefully make things better for them.”
Jo Bowman, Young People’s Social Prescribing project manager, said: “If it was not for Mollie and all the hard work that she did last year, the project would not have expanded like it has done.”
The pioneering initiative was introduced in June 2021. The result of a partnership between Chesterfield FC Community Trust and Derbyshire Voluntary Action, both groups have successfully linked up together in the past to run similar schemes supporting health and wellbeing in the local area.
Providing a person-centred support service for young people, working closely with them to highlight their interests and strengths, link workers help them address their challenges and make connections they don’t feel able to make by themselves.
Connections could be a community-based advice or counselling service, along with other areas, such as sports, volunteering or anything creative, all of which provide individuals with a strong foundation, positive wellbeing and basic skills.
