Sara, who works at High Wycombe Child Health Centre, was honoured for her work networking new mothers in the community and strengthening the bonds between them, ensuring they are better able to help and support each other.
Sara, who works for WA Health’s Child and Adolescent Health Service, was recognised for the special care she provided to children, as well as supporting the wellbeing of mothers and families through various initiatives, including a walking group to get mothers out of the house and involved in the Act-Belong-Commit campaign that provides support to improve community mental health.
Mothers in High Wycombe has set up a Facebook page called Sara’s Mums, which provides a forum for more than 150 local women to chat online and seek parenting support, 24 hours a day.
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READ NOW‘I see many families at their most vulnerable ” adjusting to parenting, often struggling with isolation issues,’ she said. ‘It’s a privilege to give support using a variety of strategies.
‘A family partnership approach allows parents to discover their own strengths and problem-solving skills, while building a healthy, happy relationship with their child.’
Sara said she was delighted with the award and, as a thank-you to mothers in the area, she is planning a teddy bears’ picnic today, from 9.30-11.30am at Jacaranda Springs Park, corner of Foxton and Alma Roads in High Wycombe.
‘I love my job and it’s extremely gratifying to be recognised for the work I do,’ she said.
The Nurse of the Year Award recognises a nurse, midwife, personal care attendant or assistant in nursing who has made an exceptional contribution to improving patient care, delivered health care in challenging circumstances and shown advocacy on behalf of patients or the nursing profession.