Nottingham City councillors paid tribute to the 'inspirational' leader of child protection services in Nottingham who died last week due to complications caused by Covid-19.
Social worker and director of Integrated Children’s Services Helen Blackman passed away on Wednesday last week after suffering complications from Covid. She was 54 years old.
Councillors lined up to pay tribute to Mrs Blackman, who dedicated her career to child protection and social services in Nottinghamshire, having joined the council after a decade at the County Council.
Leading tributes at the meeting, leader of the council Councillor David Mellen, who was visibly moved as he spoke, said: “Helen was both dedicated and skilled. She was a woman of integrity. Because of the work Helen did many children are safer. Because of the interventions that Helen and her team led, many have been given a second chance.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Helen’s family at this really sad time for them all. Helen was taken from them and from us too soon.
"Her absolute passion for the needs of children shone through. Helen had the needs of Nottingham children at the core of her being. It couldn’t help but shine through.”
Councillor Cheryl Barnard, who read out an emotional tribute from Mrs Blackman's colleagues, added: "On International Women's Day it seems appropriate to say that we've lost one of our best and give our condolences to Helen's family. Helen was a truly inspirational leader and a champion for children and young people, ensuring that they were always at the heart of our work. Her warmth and approachability meant that she made personal connections with staff, partners and our young people, many of whom she kept in touch with."
Originally from Bulwell, Mrs Blackman studied at Nottingham Trent University, before joining Nottinghamshire County Council as a social worker specialising in child protection, children in care and adoption services. In 1998 she moved across to Nottingham City Council, where she became Head of Neighbourhood Fieldwork in 2008, and then director of Integrated Children’s Services in 2013.
She leaves behind a husband and four children.
