A STUDENT social worker has been named a national ambassador for the industry – and is the only student to be selected for the prestigious role.

Helene Brown, from Richmond, North Yorkshire, a third year social work student at New College Durham, has been awarded the England Ambassador role by the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).

Mrs Brown, 39, is one of only five ambassadors throughout England and is the only student to have made the cut among other experienced professionals.

She said: “I’m very proud of this achievement and extremely committed to social work and the service users.

“I feel this role will enable me to have a platform to further my knowledge, insight and commitment to the profession.

“As for New College Durham, I feel this reflects positively on the course as a whole and shows students are achieving a high standard.”

The aim of the two-year role is to champion, represent, assist and advocate on behalf of BASW England members.

She will serve in official duties and to act as spokeswoman in media enquiries and public arenas, promoting positive images of social work.

Vicky McLeod, curriculum manager for health and social care at New College Durham, said: “We are very proud of Helene's accomplishment in becoming a BASW Ambassador.

“It highlights Helene's commitment, passion and strong value base to social work, which has been recognised by BASW.

“They feel she has the qualities necessary for promoting social work and BASW membership in a professional and positive manner and help shape the association for the future.

“Helene is the only student who has been selected for the role - the others are experienced and have been involved in BASW activities for a long time.”

Allan Orrick, BASW England manager, said: “When BASW created the ambassador role it was envisaged this would be someone who had been in the social work role for a while and not a student.

“However, when BASW representatives met Helene at a conference she indicated that she clearly supported BASW, and she had demonstrated such good involvement in such a short space of time.

“Helene is the only official student who is a BASW Ambassador and she has done extremely well.”

Mrs Brown added: “My new role is down to my dedication but also the commitment of the college towards my development to becoming a competent, confident student and subsequently a newly-qualified social worker.”