Dorset Council employee Wins Silver Award for Social Justice Advocacy

Dawn Henderson, a dedicated advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, has been honoured with the Silver Award in the Social Justice Advocate category at the prestigious Social Worker of the Year Awards. 

She was celebrated for the key role she has played in championing the rights of LGBTQ+ young people within Dorset Council Children’s Services, where she works, and in partner agencies. Her work with young people led to her crowning achievement of establishing Chesil’s inaugural Youth Pride event which took place earlier this year.

Dawn has spent the last decade working tirelessly to support LGBTQ+ young people. Her journey began in retail management, but her passion for social care and education led her to retrain as a social worker. She has since made significant strides in improving the lives of vulnerable families and young people in Dorset.

Councillor Clare Sutton, cabinet member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, praised Dawn’s achievements: “Dawn’s work has made a profound impact on our community. Her dedication to promoting LGBTQ+ rights and challenging discrimination is truly inspiring. She has created a safe and inclusive environment where young people can thrive. We are incredibly proud of her achievements and this well-deserved recognition.”

Chesil Youth Pride was a groundbreaking initiative brought together young people, families, and community members to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. The event was a resounding success, with over 130 young people participating in the parade. Dawn’s leadership and dedication ensured that the event was safe, inclusive, and empowering for all involved.

Dawn said: "I was actually stunned to have my name called out as a winner and I'm keen that attention doesn't focus too much on me. I was the one who started this but it would not have happened without everyone else, particularly our young people.

"It is great that the judges recognised what we did as a team and the big win is how they recognised the importance of real co-design, working right alongside our young people, listening to them all the time and truly being led by them, including going at their pace. The judges commended us for 'influencing practice quietly rather than through bold statements' and co-design is key in this.”

Dawn’s efforts have not only raised awareness about LGBTQ+ issues but have also led to practical changes in how services are delivered. She has been instrumental in developing training programs for social workers, ensuring that they are equipped to support LGBTQ+ young people effectively. Her work on the “Loving Yourself and Knowing Who You Are” project has also been pivotal in fostering understanding and empathy within schools and youth groups.

Paul Dempsey, Executive Director for Children’s Services, said: “It’s a great achievement for one of our colleagues to win at these national awards. These awards represent everything we do as social workers and I think it’s really great that Dawn has been recognised for the hard work she has put into Chesil Youth Pride and so many other pieces of work she has been part of.

“Dawn believes passionately in putting children and young people at the centre of our work and being truly led by them so it is great to see her recognised for this.”

Dawn’s commitment to social justice extends beyond her professional role. She is a passionate advocate for equality and inclusivity, and her work has left an indelible mark on the community. Her leadership continues to inspire positive change, and she is now working on expanding the Youth Pride event to a county-wide celebration.

The Social Justice Advocate award was open to social workers who demonstrate a commitment to challenging injustice, seek to equalize the position of different social groups and challenge discriminatory systems.