My godmother, Margaret Bailey, who has died aged 92, had a long career as a medical social worker and as a lecturer in psychiatric social work, much of it at the Middlesex hospital in central London.
Margaret was born in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, to Joseph Bailey, a pottery salesman, and Gladys (nee Lewis), a milliner. She went to Orme girls school in the town until 1948, after which she studied modern history at St Anne’s College, Oxford, graduating in 1951.
Gaining a certificate in social administration at the London School of Economics in 1952, she worked as a medical social worker at Brompton hospital in London between 1953 and 1956.
She then went to live for three years in the US, where she studied for a master’s degree in social work at Smith College, Massachusetts, before working as a psychiatric social worker at the University of Rochester Medical Centre in New York state.
In 1961 Margaret came back to London to work as a senior psychiatric social worker and lecturer at the Middlesex hospital, a position she combined with mentoring trainee social workers and which she held until she retired in 1994.
Thereafter she continued her commitment to the Labour party as an active member of its West Hampstead branch in north London and was a governor at Carlton primary school as well as a member of the Adelaide Medical Centre patient participation group. She was also never shy about rolling up her sleeves to support local projects by canvassing and fundraising.
By way of relaxation Margaret enjoyed the theatre, going to musical concerts and sampling a glass or two of red wine. She also amassed an extensive collection of mid-20th century modern art and for many years she enjoyed looking after an allotment.
Margaret was a dedicated godmother to four people, to whom she was an inspiration and role model, and was generous with her time supporting friends, family and neighbours.
