BASW tribute to John Stollery

John Stollery, aged 58 and a Nottinghamshire County Council social worker is one of the victims named in Friday’s terrorist attacks in Tunisia.

A dedicated social worker, his career with the authority spanned 33 years – the last 16 were spent working with children in care.

Speaking about the tragic loss of life that occurred when a gunman opened fire on tourists at the Sousse resort, BASW England Manager Maris Statulis expressed her sympathies:

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends and colleagues of John Stollery, and all those who lost someone in this attack. Our further thoughts are with those who have been injured in this terrible incident.

“Everyone at BASW would like to share their deepest sympathies for this tragic loss of life.”

Work colleague and BASW member Margaret Hinchcliffe added, “John was incredibly hard working and committed to ensuring that young people in care were fully involved in the plans for their care. He had the skill of building trust with young people, their parents and carers in order to work effectively with them. He had great integrity coupled with a gentle sense of humour and great kindness, and was such a well-liked colleague.

“It is a testament to the type of man he was that I never heard anything other than positive comments about him from young people and colleagues alike. He was a reflective and responsive social worker who always maintained his focus on the needs of young people and never offered less than 100% in his work. He was big hearted, dedicated and dependable and I know that his loss leaves a huge hole in the lives of a number of young people as well as his team mates and the other professionals with whom he came into contact.”

Nottinghamshire County Council’s Chief Executive Anthony May shared his grief in a statement issued by the authority:

“We are all immensely saddened by the tragic death of John Stollery, who was a much loved and respected member of staff. As a dedicated social worker, he had a passion to help others that was apparent to everyone that he met.”

Click here to read the statement issued by Nottinghamshire County Council.