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Nominated by her area manager Anne Beveridge, Jean, who works with the Exeter, East and Mid Devon learning difficulties and disabilities team, will attend the evening's events with Anne in anticipation of winning this year's award in the Reaching Out category.

 

The award recognises those who work directly with children and young people to help them overcome any difficulties, improve their lives, or achieve personal success.

 

On nominating Jean, Anne commended her for going that extra mile for the young people she works with, ensuring that they do not feel patronised or excluded from decisions about their future in what is an extremely daunting array of learning options for young people with learning difficulties and disabilities.

 

"Each year we consistently receive letters and cards thanking Connexions for the support and help Jean has provided, quoting her highly professional and supportive manner and the fact that without Jean's help many families would not have realised that their son or daughter would have been able to fulfil their potential," said Anne.

 

"Part of Jean's role is to ensure that agencies are working together to help the young people on her caseload and she has worked tirelessly to this effect, meeting with and contacting staff across the health, education and social care sector."

 

Drawing on a wealth of experience, Jean has undertaken this role since Connexions was piloted in 2000, supporting young people and their parents and carers at Southbrook College, Ellen Tinkham School, and Millwater School in making the best possible transition to adult life, helping the students make choices about their future lives.

 

Speaking of her nomination Jean said: "I really enjoy my job and am touched that the work I do has been acknowledged.

 

"It's great to be a part of a process that sees an effective transition for young people with complex support needs take place when parents and people from a wide range of agencies work closely together."

 

Anne concluded: "Jean has enabled all of the young people on her caseload to find something that has interested or motivated them after leaving school. She acts as an advocate, mentor, and listening ear to a number of families across Devon, which is why I nominated her for this award."

 

The CYPS (children and young peoples' services) awards acknowledge the contribution and commitment of staff working with children and young people in Devon through six categories, with an overall Cream of CYPS winner.