A team which helps refugees to rebuild their lives in Norfolk has been nominated for two national awards.

And a newly-qualified social worker from the county is also in the running in the competition.

Norfolk County Council's People from Abroad team has been named as a finalist as team of the year in the children's and adult services category of the Social Worker of the Year award.

The People from Abroad Team supports resettlement of refugees in Norfolk, helping people to build new, independent lives, safe from the persecution they were forced to flee.

Since being created in 2017, the team has supported more than 500 refugees, including 276 who were children at the time they arrived in the UK.

One Syrian refugee who has been helped by the team said: "Without the People from Abroad Team life would have been very difficult.

"They surrounded us with tailor-made support. For example, our first English lessons were with other Syrian refugee families, so we felt comfortable and safe.

"Their door has never been closed to us although we now have settled well, are in work and have all the children in schools.

"The team provides a vital service and without it, refugees and other people who aren’t familiar with British culture or English would find life much more difficult."

Ellie VincentEllie Vincent (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Norfolk County Council's Ellie Vincent, who works with adults with disabilities, has been nominated for the award for newly qualified social worker of the year.

She said: "Being nominated for a national award is such an honour. I feel privileged to support and work with the communities I do and I’m passionate about helping them remain independent and in control of their lives.

"I would like to thank my colleagues in the Eastern Learning Disabilities team who have supported me through placement as a student and my first year as a qualified social worker.

"Their passion and knowledge has inspired and guided me through my newly qualified year."

The Social Worker of the Year Awards is the only major national awards event for social work in England, attracting hundreds of entries.