Photo contest captures heart-warming moments

Sunday 22 March 2020

A local amateur photography contest has celebrated the importance of human connections, with award-winners' snaps capturing heartwarming moments between family, friends and pets.

This year's World Social Work Day fell on Tuesday 17 March and around the world, events were held to celebrate social workers and the positive impact they have on individuals, families, communities and wider society.

The annual celebration has been running since 1983, however this year had a specific focus on the importance of human relationships.

Organised by Highlands College and Les Amis, a local photography competition followed this theme, and invited amateur photographers of all ages and skills to take part.

Three winners were this week decided by a team of judges, as well as an additional People's Vote prize, which was chosen by the public voting for their favourite image. 

Pictured: The winning photograph, 'Long Time No See' by Darren Ellis.

Judges Jay Hepburn, Kevin Brace and Mark Rogers selected Darren Ellis' black and white photograph as the winning entry. Darren's image, entitled 'Long Time No See', has won him a printed canvas of his photograph and a two-hour South Coast cruise with Jersey Bus and Boat Tours. 

Second place was awarded to a photograph by social worker, Annie Shine, who has won a canvas of her image and afternoon tea for two at Ransoms Tearoom. 

Highlands College social work student, Emma Tanner, picked up both the third place prize and the People's Vote prize with two separate entries. She has won canvasses of both of her photographs, as well as lunch for two people at Highlands College Academy Restaurant.

Pictured: Annie Shine's entry which won second place.

World Social Work Day holds particular significance for Jersey, as the Government have been recruiting social workers as part of the Let's Be Honest campaign, which won a recruitment award in October. 

Natalie Spooner, Children’s Services manager, said: “Social work is the best job in the world. You can make a real and significant difference to children and families. I’ve been in the job now for 17 years. You learn so much about yourself, you learn so many new skills and you meet some fantastic people on the way. Being involved in a child and family’s life is such a privileged position – you’re able to be part of that change and part of a team of other professionals in order to support a family.”

Pictured: Emma Tanner's entry which won third place. 

As well as this, a new social work degree has been running since September 2016 at Highlands College, in partnership with the University of Sussex.

Rose Parkes, Head of Social Work at Highlands College, said: “Students on this course are gaining valuable knowledge, skills and experience of social work in Jersey, where they intend to work upon graduation."

Pictured: The winner of the People's Vote prize, by Emma Tanner.

She recognised the importance of the 'human relationship' theme of this year's World Social Work Day, stating: "Social work relies on effective human relationships and, regardless of whether we work in the statutory, voluntary or charitable sectors, it is important that we work together to achieve positive change for the benefit of our community.”