Congratulations to former Glasgow Health & Social Care employee, Colin Fraser, who has been named Mental Health Officer of the Year 2020.

Clare Haughey MSP, Minister for Mental Health, hailed Colin as "truly inspirational" as she presented him (virtually) with the Scottish Association of Social Work award.

Colin, who worked with Glasgow City HSCP helping people in mental distress in Glasgow for many years, was nominated by his social work colleagues ahead of his recent retirement.

Angela McGowan, one the team mates who nominated Colin, described him as a "great mentor" and "an inspiration" to others.

She said: "Colin chaired Glasgow's Mental Health Officer steering group and forum for many years. He was greatly respected and knowledgeable. He demonstrated a great passion for mental health and was an inspiration to others. Colin was a great mentor and advocate for continually improving mental health services across Glasgow. He demonstrated strong social work values and always maintained respect for the rights of service users. He will be greatly missed by his colleagues now that he has retired. Due to the pandemic, we didn't get to celebrate his retirement with him and say goodbye, but by winning this award, he has certainly gone out on a high!"

The surprised recipient thanked his peers for putting his name forward.

Colin said: "Thank you, it means a lot to me. One of the hardest things about retiring is leaving the company of good people. I have been so lucky in my career to be surrounded by dedicated Mental Health Officers with real integrity and imagination who I have found inspiring and encouraging."

Councillor Mhairi Hunter, Glasgow's Convener for Health and Social Care, congratulated Colin on his award - and his retirement.

She said: "It is clear that Colin is held in very high regard by his former colleagues and that he generously shared the knowledge and expertise he acquired over the years to encourage other Mental Health Officers in their own careers. I'd like to thank him for his dedication and hard work, which helped many people in Glasgow when they needed it most. Congratulations on this prestigious award Colin - it is fitting recognition of your efforts. All the best for your retirement too. I hope you enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation."

Alison Bavidge, National Director of the Scottish Association of Social Work, said: "The work Mental Health Officers do to support some of the most vulnerable people in our society is incredibly important - especially during these challenging, uncertain and unprecedented times. Colin's dedication to those who use social work services and to his colleagues made him a clear and very deserving winner of this year's award."