Social work student has received an honorary award after being praised by a grateful family

Edward McKim, from Braeside, received the special commendation for his services to the profession to the Scottish Association of Social Work Awards in Edinburgh.

The 27-year-old is in his final year of an social work course at the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).

Edward, who was shortlisted for Student Social Worker of the Year, told the Telegraph: "It pretty overwhelming, it's taken a while to sink in.

"It was a brilliant evening and inspiring to hear the stories of social workers across the sector and to learn about the impact they have on the lives of so many.

"I was thrilled to receive the ‘special recognition by users of service’ award – it is a true honour and it means so much to me as I was nominated by a family I’ve been working with.

The person who made the nomination said the family were initially reluctant to accept help from social services but Edward didn't give up.

The letter said: "Unlike every other person he was the only one who did not talk at me – he talked to me”.

The individual signed the letter: "A family that feels much better for having this guy come into our life."

Edward attended St Gabriel's Primary and St Columba's High School in Gourock.

Two years ago, he changed his life by swapping his office job to study for new career.

Edward said: "Social work is like a vocation. I didn't realise it was something I wanted to do until I was doing it.

"I was in a 9-5, routine job, while all my friends who were nurses or teachers loved their jobs. I craved the same passion for my job.

"I applied to university to do social work two years ago and I've not looked back since."

He embarked on the intensive masters course and underwent two placements, one in the statutory sector and another with a voluntary organisation

Edward said: "It can also be challenging dealing with poverty and austerity but it's also rewarding..

"The human relationships and the people are always a joy to work with."

Maree Todd MSP, Scottish minister for children and young people, presented Edward with his award.

Professor Dominic Elliott, Dean of UWS school of media, culture and society, said: “On behalf of everyone at the university we would like to say a huge congratulations to Edward on this incredible achievement.

"It is a real testament to his skills to be nominated by a family he supports and highlights the tangible difference he is making.”