A 46-YEAR-OLD mental health support worker from Leigh is celebrating being named Health and Social Care Apprentice of the Year.
Natasha Diallo, who is also known as Natalya, collected the award at a formal dinner and ceremony held at The Edge Arena in Wigan this month.
The married mother of three, who is originally from Belarus but made her home in Leigh over 16 years ago, was selected to receive the accolade after completing a Level 2 Diploma in Care at Wigan and Leigh College.
Natasha completed her studies while employed by the national health and social care charity Making Space, where she supports people living with mental health issues and is on hand throughout the night to help with any problems they may be facing.
READ > Mum's the word as shopping centre to give away gifts to lucky mums
Natasha said: "I’ve worked with Making Space for three and a half years and I really love my job.
“My manager suggested the apprenticeship after I’d completed my Making Space training. I didn’t think it would be for me, but said I’d give it a shot - and I loved it.
“I’m so grateful to be chosen to win this award for doing something I enjoy. I want to say a big thank you to my manager at Making Space for supporting me to do the training, and of course to Wigan & Leigh College for the award.”
Despite her busy schedule, Natasha says that the flexible nature of the apprenticeship meant that she was able to complete the qualification while caring for her family and working night shifts.
Natasha, who worked in a charity shop before taking up her role with Making Space, is now planning to continue to the Level 3 certificate in Health and Social Care and hopes to continue climbing the career ladder moving forward.
Regional head of operations for Making Space, Jenny MacLeod, added: “Natasha is a shining example of the amazing colleagues who work for Making Space – it’s never too late to learn and Natasha has shown passion and commitment in completing her apprenticeship alongside her everyday work.
“Her positivity and enthusiasm for working with the people we support is an inspiration to us all and I see a bright future for her.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here