The South Eastern Trust waved a fond farewell to one of our Social Work Assistant Directors, Elaine Somerville, who has been described as “inspirational“ during the four decades she has worked in the Trust.
Colleagues from across the Trust gathered at an event to wish Elaine well where she enjoyed an amazing cake made by a member of her team along with some other goodies.
Elaine reminisced about her career and said, “I’ve had a ball working in the South Eastern Trust for 36 years!”
She continued, “Today was such a lovely farewell, I have worked with a range of people across many directorates within the Trust and everybody has worked so well with me in operational teams and support teams. Family is very important to me not only my personal family, but my work family. People matter and relationships matter in the workplace, everyone has supported me over the years and I cannot thank everyone enough. I wish everyone every success for the future
Wishing Elaine well on her retirement, Director of Children’s Services and Social Work, Lyn Preece added, “Elaine has worked tirelessly to improve Social Work Services locally and she has influenced good Social Work practice on a regional level. Her dedication over her 36 year career is a source of inspiration to us all and she will be greatly missed by Social Work leads across the region.
“Elaine is more than a dedicated professional, she is a mentor, a friend to many people and a pillar of support to those fortunate enough to work alongside her. She has wisdom, empathy and a willingness to listen which has left an indelible mark on all of us.”
We wish Elaine well as she starts a new chapter in her life and takes a very well deserved rest!