Making a world of difference
Social workers from Warwickshire joined their contemporaries from around the globe when they marked World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March.
The annual event is organised by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) to recognise and celebrate the significant contribution of social work to society.
Liz Bruce, Head of Local Commissioning for Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, said: “At a time when the social work profession has been under an intense national spotlight we need to remind ourselves of the valuable work that social workers do, often in difficult and challenging circumstances. Social workers enter the profession because they want to make a difference for the better in every community.”
Chris Hallett, Head of Children in Need for Children, Young People and Families at Warwickshire County Council, said: "Social Workers do a fantastic job offering help and advice to vulnerable members of our communities to make a positive difference to their lives.
"I will be supporting Warwickshire’s celebration of World Social Day as an opportunity to acknowledge and thank these workers for everything they do."
A number of activities took place around the county to mark the day, ranging from a landmark conference where social workers joined forces with colleagues from the police, health and housing to tackle the issue of protecting the most vulnerable adults in society, to informal bring and share lunches where frontline social workers celebrated and reflected upon the profession.
Liz Bruce added: “As well as reflecting and learning from the past we want a positive focus for the future. The economic climate will undoubtedly present challenges for many individuals and their families and we want to work preventatively and give our support to those who need it most.”