Runner-up: Jane Harpin
Jane was nominated by a client, Margaret, "because without her, I would not have celebrated my 50 th birthday; my husband would be a widower, my children motherless and I would not be living a fulfilling life as I am now, trying to put something back into society."
Margaret firmly believes that it is due to Jane's unstinting efforts that in November 2003, she was finally able to ask to be discharged from Mental Health Services after 14 years of care.
When Margaret first met Jane, she was 'a mute suicidal wreck', having been exposed to weeks of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) and drugged with the maximum that the doctors could legally prescribe. Jane completely transformed Margaret's care regime to a drug-free existence and most importantly gained the trust of both Margaret and her husband.
Margaret and Jane worked together for three years in which there were the inevitable ups and downs but, throughout, Jane respected Margaret's feelings and rights. Finally, when she felt Margaret was ready, Jane helped her to find a life outside mental health services.
Today, Margaret has joined a choir, is studying for a Masters Degree in Church History, has reached a high level of computer competency and undertakes various tasks for the local Mental Health Trust.
Margaret sums up:
"I have regained my confidence and self-esteem, no longer need medication, and am now beginning to consider what role there is for me in paid employment. None of this would have been possible without Jane's hard work and dedication to someone who had been considered a lost cause by everyone else."
Jane, who works at Parkside CMHRC in Middlesbrough, says: "I am very touched that Margaret took the time to nominate me for this award. Working with Margaret has been a challenge but so rewarding. Margaret should be very proud of what she has achieved."
As a runner up, Jane has been given a ticket, travel and accommodation to attend the COT Annual Conference in Harrogate in June 2004.
