CDA has appointed a successor following the retirement of its senior social worker and there has been a smooth transition to the benefit of deaf people throughout the region.  Working with deaf, deafened, Deafblind and hard of hearing people calls for a special set of skills over and above being a fully competent social worker.  When Ann Chesters retired, after 17 years working at Cumbria Deaf Association, its chief executive John Brown called her a ‘hard act to follow.’

Well the hunt is over, with many of the CDA’s headquarters staff taking part in the recruitment process, and Angela Watson Brown started work with the association of 1st March.

Angela was born and raised in Penrith until she left school to do teacher training at the University of London.  She taught adult with learning difficulties, including a post in Cumbria at the Dovenby hospital. She was drawn towards social work and did voluntary work at the Edington Centre in Penrith, then worked as an unqualified social worker in the learning disabilities team.  Angela moved next to residential care work for the Glenmore Trust as a manager.

It was at the University of Central Lancashire that she completed her diploma in social work and went on to a BA Hons in social work and community studies. Angela went on to hold social work and senior social worker posts in Cumbria, including two years as a social worker for CDA in Kendal and Barrow.

Ann Chesters may have been a hard act to follow, but according to John Brown Angela is ‘a worthy successor’ in the vital work that goes on day to day within the association.

Last word goes to Angela:  “I have returned to CDA following a five year ‘stint’ with older adult services in Penrith.  I am enjoying the challenge and am happy to be among some new and some very familiar (you note I have resisted saying old) faces.”