Remembering our dear colleague Ann Cusworth
We are all deeply saddened at Children 1st by the sudden death of our dear colleague Ann Cusworth. Ann died surrounded by her family on 11th of October.
Ann had suffered a sudden critical illness in August this year. She made a brave recovery and we all thought she was out of danger, but sadly she died following a follow-up surgery. Ann passed away peacefully with her family by her side. Our thoughts are with Ann’s family especially her four adult children, Rebecca, William, Jessica and Mathew at this very sad time for them.
Ann joined our Children 1st Borders service in January 2020 after many years with Barnardo’s services in northeast England. Everyone that knew Ann immediately experienced her as a lovely woman who simply emanated warmth, joy and kindness. She was a much-loved colleague who was very highly respected by her team and known as a vastly knowledgeable and skilled practitioner with a big heart and always there to support. It was her ease with everyone and humility that she showed, behind which was an extensive knowledge base, that made her such a valued colleague. So many describe Ann as a remarkable woman, always the first to help and always the first to bring homemade food and cakes to nourish the team. She was a fun and adventurous person who went white water rafting on her 60th birthday.
Ann was a qualified family therapist, and she came to our Borders Service as a project worker working with children impacted by domestic abuse before moving to support families specifically with Family Group Decision Making. Ann’s whole approach was embedded in supporting whole families and such was her skill and kind approach that she supported families hugely in this role which she loved. The difference Ann made was well known by families and colleagues alike and we are all very shocked and distressed by her all too early loss.
Our partner colleagues also knew Ann’s abilities and how she brought about significant breakthroughs for families we worked with together– one social work colleague said, “I thought there seemed no way through the difficulties the family were facing but thanks to Ann’s work repairing relationships the child is continuing to have contact with his mum and it is a great relief for him to have less tension in his family network.”
As is often the way, children say it how it is and children should have the final word. On being told the sad news of Ann’s death, a 6-year-old girl who was working with Ann put it very simply and spoke for us all when she said “I didn’t want Ann to die” - none of us did.
Rest in peace Ann, from your friends and Children 1st family.