A Worcester social worker has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the community during the coronavirus crisis.

Claire Bailey, who works for the Worcestershire County Council, was more worried than many about the pandemic as she has an underlying health condition herself.

Her dad died of winter flu when he was just 46, and her mum and step-dad both caught the virus in Spain and unknowingly passed it on to her step-grandparents – both aged 91.

Despite this concern Claire was adamant she wanted to take on a new role helping vulnerable people even if this couldn’t be face to face.

Normally her days are a busy round of looking after a group of people with learning disabilities and ensuring they receive good services.

It’s a hectic working day, but she says “seeing people smile and making a difference” is what makes it all worthwhile.

As someone with asthma, she was advised to stay at home to protect herself from Covid-19. Her work had to stop and life in lockdown couldn’t be more different.

After a week spent staying at home, Claire was desperate to find a way to carry on making a difference.

After 18 years of working for Worcestershire County Council in face to face roles Claire has moved to a virtual support, offering support to vulnerable people, including people with mental health problems and learning disabilities.

She makes phone calls to her “caseload” of 35 people, including some of the people who attended the Centre she was based at before the lockdown.

Claire has been has been recognised for her outstanding contribution to the council and her community as part of West Midlands Employers #EverydayHeroes campaign.

Claire said: “I was very touched to be nominated as an everyday hero. I enjoy being able to build relationships with people, developing their trust and explaining how we can support them. I absolutely love my job and the people I work with so to be recognised for this is amazing.”

Councillor Adrian Hardman, Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Adult Social Care, said: “We are extremely grateful to those members of staff, like Claire who have stepped up, to move from their normal day job to provide extra support to vulnerable people in Worcestershire where it is needed most. We rarely know people’s background. Finding out about Claire has made her commitment to helping others in the county at this time, even more inspirational.”

Anyone can nominate one or more local council heroes. West Midlands Employers will review nominations in partnership with the relevant council and share their stories via www.wmheroes.co.uk/meet-your-heroes/.