Senior Downe Hospital social worker wins award

Senior Downe Hospital social worker wins award

4 December 2024

A SENIOR social work practitioner based at the Downe Hospital has been awarded ‘Ally of the Year’ award at the annual GNI Mag Awards for his advocacy and support to the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent community.

Niall Rotherham scooped the accolade out of thousands of nominees at a gala ceremony at Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel with his work in establishing the ‘ND1/Neurodivergent Downpatrick 1’ given a special mention.

Niall described his award win as an “honour and a privilege.”

He said he was nominated by a service user under the category of “Ally Of The Year” for the support and advocacy they felt he provides for the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent communities through one-to-one appointments in the GP surgery and also within community development work.

“It was an honour and a privilege to have won this award and receive such positive recognition from a service user,” he said.

“It is also a privilege to have a platform to support and advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and many other individuals and minority communities within my role as a Social Worker within the Primary Care MDT service.”

The South Eastern Trust’s Director of Primary Care and Older People congratulated Niall on his “fantastic achievement.”

Clare-Marie Dickson Niall’s award was made all the more special as he was nominated by an appreciative service user. 

She added: “‘m I am really delighted for him, so well deserved. Niall’s dedication as a social worker advocating for minority groups and ensuring they have a voice and are supported is commendable.”