‘Go to’ David bags prize for excellence in mental health

A “highly conscientious” mental health officer who is passionate about his profession has been named as winner of the Wilma MacDonald Award for SASW MHO of the Year.

David Baird, a social worker and mental health officer with the Adult Mental Health Team at Dumfries and Galloway Council, was presented with the award at the SASW MHO Annual Study Forum in Perth last month.

The service user who had nominated him described David as a “consistent professional” throughout his recovery journey who was always there for him when he was really unwell.

“He is a good listener and has stuck by me when others have not. Without him, I may not have what I have now and without his help I could have been in a very different place.”

Social work services team manager Rona Carson said David had worked tirelessly with all multi-agency professionals to ensure that service users received a quality service.

“He is particularly known for extending his knowledge to others in the social work teams, not just the mental health students that he has mentored over his many years in the profession,” she said.

A colleague added that he was regarded as the “go to” person for many MHOs who wanted to clarify their thinking and talk through their practice issues.

“He has patience and the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, problems or suffering without becoming annoyed or anxious, self-assurance arising from an appreciation of one’s abilities and the confidence to deal with the challenges that employment and life throw up,” she said.

David said he was “astonished” to receive the award and that any one of the MHOs present could have been recognised in the same way.

He said: “It certainly is a reward for mental health officers and for flying our flag.”