A SUPPORT worker based in an Alva care home has received national recognition.

As the Advertiser reported earlier, David Irvine was up for Housing Support Services Carer of the Year at the 2018 Scottish Care Awards.

And having picking up the prize at the evening ceremony in Glasgow earlier this month, he has been lauded for his commitment to prevent social isolation among service users in the area.

The care worker said: “I was very surprised but thrilled and honoured to be chosen as a winner in these prestigious awards.”

David works at Mears Care in Alva alongside “incredibly proud” service manager Kay McEwan.

She added: "I have worked with David for a number of years and he is truly deserving of this achievement.

“David is an excellent care worker and has worked very hard to support positive ideas and practice to improve social isolation for a variety of service user, in particular those who have limited peer support.

“In fact, he has developed a group who now meet on a regular basis and is working hard to further develop this idea.

"David has shown flexibility and forward thinking to meet not only the needs of his service users but the service as a whole.

“I look forward to working collaboratively with him to continue to support ideas and services to help combat social isolation for this service user grouping.

"David has some fantastic ideas in relation to respite and outreach services and with the support of our Mears housing colleagues, we are looking to further develop this idea across the central belt of Mears Care.”