Charmaine Stone

A newly qualified social worker from Kidderminster says a prestigious award has given her added confidence as she prepares to begin her career helping others.

Charmaine Stone has completed her Social Work degree at the University of Worcester and is delighted to have been awarded the Andy Dixon Smith Award for Mental Health.

“I feel incredibly honoured and grateful to receive this award,” she said. “It means a great deal that my work has been recognised, especially as the topic is something I deeply care about.”

Charmaine, 33, explained: “I received the award for my dissertation, which focused on how social workers can better support autistic adults who are at risk of detention under the Mental Health Act.”

“Receiving this award has given me confidence as I begin my career as a newly qualified social worker,” added Charmaine, who has already secured a position and is looking forward to starting her career as a social worker.

“My family and friends were incredibly proud when they found out I’d received the award. They have supported me throughout my degree, encouraging me through the challenges and celebrating the milestones along the way. Sharing this achievement with them made it even more special.”

Before attending the University of Worcester, Charmaine studied an Access to Higher Education course at Kidderminster College.

She said the support there prepared her well for her university degree: “Kidderminster College gave me the knowledge, confidence, and study skills I needed to succeed at university. It helped me develop my academic writing, research and critical thinking, which became essential through my degree.”

She added: “The encouragement and support I received during the course there gave me the confidence to progress to higher education, and it laid the foundations that ultimately helped me achieve this award.”

Charmaine is graduating from the institution that has been named Daily Mail University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027, and is the UK’s leading multi-subject university for sustained graduate employment, further study or both one year after graduation. She received her award and degree during a week of graduation ceremonies held at Worcester Cathedral from September 8-10.

Professor Sally Moyle, Deputy Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester said: “We’re incredibly proud of all of our graduates, especially those who have been recognised with awards for going above and beyond during their studies.”

“Students at Worcester are graduating from the University of the Year for Graduate Jobs 2027, putting them in an excellent position to secure employment and make a positive contribution to society,” she continued. “Winning an award like this is a great way for students to demonstrate to future employers the effort and commitment they have invested in their university experience. They can look back with pride on their outstanding achievements.”