Three Rivers support worker wins prestigious 'Key Worker of the Year' award

Fiona Girvin from Three Rivers District Council’s Intensive Family Support Team has been working and helping families that have complex needs for nine years.

It’s never a normal day for Fiona as every day is different. One day could be helping someone suffering from domestic abuse or another could be supporting a pupil with their school day.

Being flexible and not taking things too personally is mandatory for the job, Fiona said, as at first the family may well be untrusting with some cancelling or changing appointments last minute or refusing to answer texts, telephone calls, or the door.

However, Fiona said that when she’s able to get a foot in the door, the families start to open up and together they identify their own family’s support needs. Fiona will then gather a support network around the family and will then attend a monthly TAF (Team Around the Family) meeting with the family to discuss progress or any concerns.

Fiona said: “The best thing about the job is when something goes well, often only something small, but you learn to appreciate little changes such as a parent attending a yoga session or a young person opening up. Often even when things are really difficult there is still fun to be had and I have lots of laughs over silly things with the families I’m supporting.”

Now her work has been recognised recently and named ‘Key Worker of the Year’ by Families First Hertfordshire – which celebrates the outstanding work of organisations and individuals across the county in delivering early help to families.

Reacting to her accomplishment, Fiona said: “I feel honoured to win such a prestigious award and reminds me why I love my job and the impact it has on the families that need that type of support.

“While I am very proud of this achievement, I want to dedicate it to my team who do an amazing job day in and day out to support families in this community.”

The Chief Executive of Three Rivers District Council, Joanne Wagstaffe, said: “My huge congratulations to Fiona for her outstanding achievement.

“Fiona has worked intensively and holistically with families who may often have complex needs and has helped them get the support they need.

“It goes without saying that Three Rivers District Council is incredibly proud of the essential work Fiona and her team have done over the years and it’s great that it’s been recognised.”