A support worker who dedicates 60 hours a week of her time to helping others has been nominated for a Merton Civic Award.

Angela Martin, 64, from Merton Abbey, has worked at St Mark’s Family Centre in Mitcham for 12 years and has given help and advice to hundreds of people.

She works as a children and family services manager, but also helps with services such as providing opportunities to improve the wellbeing of mentally ill clients.

Ms Martin, who has two children and one granddaughter, said: “It’s a big part of my life, it’s so interesting and I love it, I’m never retiring.”

The centre offers help with housing or benefit issues and tribunals as well as a range of services to provide people with consistent support to make lives more positive.

Before becoming a support worker, Ms Martin completed a degree in nursing and social work and then worked for the Ministry of Defence.

Sharon Spence, an ex-client she worked with for a long time nominated her for this community award.

Ms Spence said: “Angela is a great support worker to so many people in the community and goes above and beyond her job, sometimes working so late in the evening.

“She is just a great help to us all, she does things she probably doesn’t even have to do like checking up on us, lending us money and sometimes doing paperwork until 10 at night.”

Cheryl Seabrook, from St Mark’s Primary School, also nominated Ms Martin.

She said: “Angie is a highly valued and respected member of the community. She works all hours of the day showing endless dedication to all the vulnerable families she supports.”

If you would like to nominate someone for a Merton Civic Award, please fill in the form on the right.