National award for Glasgow Community Link Worker Team
The Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) Community Link Worker Team has been recognised on the national stage after being named Community Link Worker Team of the Year at the recent Scottish Community Link Worker Network Conference and Awards, held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.
The award celebrates the outstanding work of the team, which is delivered by the Health and Social Care Alliance and operates across 80 GP practices throughout Glasgow. Over the past year alone, Community Link Workers have supported more than 17,500 people, helping individuals access services, overcome challenges and improve their health, wellbeing and quality of life.
Through one-to-one support, community groups and a range of innovative local projects, the team works closely with people and communities across the city, helping tackle issues such as social isolation, poverty, mental health concerns and barriers to accessing support.
The judges praised the team’s commitment to delivering person-centred support and highlighted the programme’s strong focus on communities experiencing the highest levels of deprivation. This targeted approach was recognised as making a significant contribution to reducing health inequalities and improving outcomes for some of Glasgow’s most vulnerable residents.
The success did not stop there, with members of the team also shortlisted in the Community Link Worker Partnership of the Year category. Those recognised included Janette Cunningham (in partnership with Children’s Health Scotland, Cranhill Development Trust, and Edinburgh Road, Medical Practice) and Sharon Irvine, Colin Jones and Olly Shields for their mental health support group ‘Peer For You’.
Melanie McIntosh, Health Improvement Senior, Community Link Workers, said: “Congratulations to the entire Community Link Worker team on this fantastic and thoroughly deserved achievement. This national recognition is a reflection of the dedication, compassion and professionalism they bring to their work every single day. Their commitment to supporting people through often complex and challenging circumstances helps transform lives, strengthen communities and improve health and wellbeing across Glasgow.
“The team consistently goes above and beyond to ensure people receive the support they need, whether that’s connecting individuals with local services, helping reduce social isolation or empowering people to make positive changes in their lives. This award recognises not only the impact of their work over the past year, but also the values of kindness, partnership and community that sit at the heart of everything they do. We are incredibly proud of what they have achieved and the difference they continue to make for thousands of people across the city."
The award highlights the vital role Community Link Workers play within primary care and community services, supporting people to access practical help and strengthening connections between GP practices and local communities. It also recognises the collective efforts of a team that continues to make a lasting difference to the lives of thousands of Glasgow residents every year.