MP meets social workers on the front line
Nuneaton MP Marcus Jones has seen first hand the excellent work being carried out by Warwickshire County Council’s frontline social workers.
Mr Jones spoke to staff on a tour of Nuneaton Children’s Team and Nuneaton and Bedworth Older People & Physical Disability Team - both based at Warwick House in Wheat Street - about the many aspects of their work.
He was accompanied on the visit by Cllr Heather Timms, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families.
Cllr Timms said: “As politicians, we were keen to hear directly from social workers on the frontline about what challenges they face on a day to day basis.
“It is clear that our social workers are highly skilled at handling situations and strive to meet the needs of the most vulnerable groups in some very difficult circumstances. We really value their hard work and dedication to duty, which often goes unrecognised.
“This was a mutually beneficial visit which underlined how important it is to have strong processes in order to reach our aim of providing better outcomes for all our residents.”
Jemma Fordham from Nuneaton Children’s Team introduced Mr Jones and Cllr Timms to her colleagues and spoke about the work they do to support children and families. Sera Bailey and Liza Bennett of Nuneaton and Bedworth Older People & Physical Disability (OPPD) Team discussed and explained Adult Health and Community Services and how assistance and support is provided via the adult social care teams to Warwickshire’s customers and their carers.
Mr Jones was later taken to visit a foster carer to find out the reality of fostering and the impact on both the family and the child. There are currently almost 600 looked after children in Warwickshire, and a further 500 who are subject to child protection plans.
Cllr Timms added: “We aim to support children wherever possible within their families as, for most children, this is the best environment for them to grow up.
"For those who become looked after, we are their corporate parents and we work through our safeguarding teams to ensure that they are given the chance for the best possible start in life.”