AS the Hereford Times today reveals its shortlist of finalists for its Health and Social Care Awards, the University of Worcester is preparing to lead another celebration of the region’s professionals.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the university’s annual Mentor Awards, which recognise the individuals and organisations who make an outstanding contribution to its students. Over the past decade health and social care professionals from across Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and the West Midlands have been honoured for the way they support students through their learning journey.

Robert Dudley, acting head of the Institute of Health and Society at the university, said: “Firstly, we would like to congratulate all the finalists of the Hereford Times Health and Social Care Awards.

“We are very proud to be sponsoring this event, recognising the outstanding achievements of the many professionals who provide such fantastic care in our hospitals and community settings.

“It is very fitting that this event comes as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of our annual Mentor Awards, honouring the professionals who provide first class mentoring to our students, across a range of courses, and of course we, as a nation mark 70 years of our wonderful NHS.

“Excellent mentors are the key to successful practice learning for many students. They inspire, support and encourage our students and that is why for the past 10 years we have held these awards to show our appreciation.”

The university’s Mentor Awards celebrate the outstanding work of those from a number of disciplines, including nursing, midwifery, ambulance personnel, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work, criminology, and youth and community work, who build successful mentoring relationships with students. The awards will be presented during a glittering ceremony at the University of Worcester Arena in October.

The University of Worcester is one of the country’s leading educators of healthcare professionals, from nurses and midwives, paramedics and physiotherapists through to occupational therapists and social workers.

With a reputation for the highest quality provision, partnership working and delivery, the university plays a leading role in researching and developing innovative and creative solutions in health and wellbeing, such as establishing the UK’s first Masters’ degree in Physician Associates, to help meet the changing needs of the health service.

The university works in close collaboration with employers, including the NHS, county councils and a range of voluntary and private sector employers and Worcester graduates are among the most employable in the country. The university has three internationally acclaimed research centres in the field of health: the Association of Dementia Studies (ADS), the Centre for Violence Prevention (CVP) and the Mood Disorders Research Group focuses on investigations of bipolar disorder.

In Herefordshire the University works closely with trusts and practices, including the Wye Valley NHS Trust and the 2Together NHS Foundation Trust for the education of nurses, midwives and nurse associates in particular.