'Drug worker of the year' is Vicky from Sheffield

A Turning Point outreach worker has beaten four hundred other nominees to be awarded the title of 'drug worker of the year'. Vicky Ward has been honoured for her tireless contribution to getting homeless people into treatment. Not only did Vicky pick up the gong for her work, but Turning Point in Sheffield were also awarded £10,000 to spend on treatment and prevention of drug misuse in the city.

Vicky first hit the headlines when she was made drug worker of the year for Yorkshire and the Humber. All the regional winners were asked to a ceremony in London but it was Vicky who was presented with the national Tackling Drugs, Changing Lives national award, by Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker.

Vicky says of her award:

"It was a lovely surprise to find out I had won. Working with homeless people in Sheffield and helping them to achieve personal change is an extremely rewarding part of my job. I'm glad that the work I do really has helped to make a difference to the lives of local people."

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker, who presented the award to Vicky says:

"I want to congratulate everyone who took part in this year's awards. It's fantastic to be able to recognise the hard work, passion and dedication of people up and down the country who are working to reduce the harm to individuals, families and communities caused by drug misuse.

For more information: Steve Palmer
Turning Point Press Officer
020 7481 7630
Out of hours and mobile 07786 938 601
www.turning-point.co.uk

Notes to editors

1. More information can be found at this Home Office website http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/news-events/latest-news/awards-2007
2. Turning Point is the UK's leading social care organisation. The organisation provides services for people with complex needs, including those affected by drug and alcohol misuse, mental health problems and those with a learning disability.
3. Vicky Ward was described in the ceremony as working tirelessly to get homeless people into treatment by visiting squats and streets to locate her clients. It was pointed out that one of her roles is to ensure that service users can access the treatment and healthcare they need, to enable them to turn their lives around.

ENDS