Downe Hospital’s Senior Social Work Practitioner, Niall Rotherham has been awarded ‘Ally of the Year’ at the annual GNI Mag Awards for his advocacy and support to the LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent community.
Niall 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.”
“I was kindly nominated by a Service User under the category of “Ally Of The Year” for the support and advocacy they felt that I provide 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. 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.”
Congratulating Niall, South Eastern Trust Director of Primary Care and Older People, Clare-Marie Dickson added, “What a fantastic achievement for Niall to receive this award, made all the more special as nominated by an appreciative service user. I am really delighted for him, so well deserved. His dedication as a Social Worker advocating for minority groups and ensuring they have a voice and are supported is commendable.”