CLS Hero: Mary Hastings

Over the last ten years Mary has given her time and expertise to working with the council to help embed strengths based practice and improve the experience of people who need support. Mary has worked as a volunteer Peer Support Planner, using her skills as an artist to support people to think creatively about what is important to them, inspiring them to have purpose and hope for the future.

Mary has also recently been instrumental in a ground-breaking project to coproduce the vision and policy for Direct Payments in Shropshire. Her contributions have challenged and encouraged the thinking of social work managers, practitioners and students, as well as University tutors, along with staff from other support teams such as finance. Mary’s involvement has led directly to changes in the way Direct Payments are offered and ultimately to the way that individuals use Direct Payments to lead their best lives.