Social work student is a bright spark

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) student David Clarke has been awarded the Bright Spark Award at the inaugural Scottish Social Services Awards (SSSA), in recognition of the contribution the newcomer has made to the sector.

David, who is in his final year of the BSc (Hons) Social Work programme, is also a foster carer. He beat competition from the Scottish Association for Mental Health and The Yard to take the award at a ceremony at Crieff Hydro yesterday (June 14) opened by Minister for Childcare and Early Years Mark McDonald MSP, and compered by Scottish broadcaster and Reporting Scotland presenter Sally Magnusson.

The Awards, run by the Social Work Services Strategic Forum, celebrate the work of the social services sector in Scotland and those that work in it. They aim to recognise best practice and those individuals who are leading the way and making a difference to the lives of the people they help to support.

Speaking about why he chose social work as a profession, David said: "It was my passion for supporting young people in care that motivated me to train as a social worker. The course was extremely challenging but, with a lot of hard work, I did well.

"The social work placements gave me an opportunity to develop my practice skills and overall I found it to be an amazing experience."

Dr Sharon Jackson, senior lecturer in social work at GCU, said: "He absolutely and thoroughly deserves it. Dave’s practice performance was outstanding and well beyond what we would expect of a student."