Social Work Week: Shining a light on those making a difference

Hull City Council is celebrating Social Work Week 2022 by shining a light on some of the city’s care workers who make such a difference to people’s lives.

The council is using its social media platforms to promote the efforts of some of those working in children’s and adults social work.

It will be posting a number of case studies throughout the week, highlighting the invaluable work they do, day in, day out.

The council is also using Social Work Week as a platform to showcase the many benefits of a career in the profession.

Councillor Shane McMurray, Portfolio Holder for Children’s Services, said: “Social workers work to make sure families can function better, and on the occasions when some parents fail their children, social workers do all they can to help those children to thrive and lead fulfilled lives.

CELEBRATING SOCIAL WORK: Councillor Shane McMurray

“If helping children and families appeals to you, then a career in social work may be for you.”

To kick-start the campaign, the council has released a number of videos of those involved in social work in the city speaking about its importance.

Claire Rutherford, Principal Social Worker in Hull, said: “Social Work Week is a chance to shine a light on the profession, the diversity of roles within social work and the life-changing impact the work has on children and families.

“It’s a chance for people to reflect on the role of social workers and consider the profession for themselves. In Hull, we’re developing a Social Work Academy to attract social workers, create a stable and highly skilled workforce and create the conditions for excellent social work to flourish.”

Gemma Laister, Principal Social Worker for Adults, said: “Care workers and support workers are also an essential and valued part of the adult social care workforce.

“It’s a very rewarding and fulfilling job, providing a real sense of achievement that’s difficult to experience elsewhere, and they make a difference to people’s lives.

“The pandemic in particular has highlighted to many people how important a role carers play in a person’s life.”

Councillor Gwen Lunn, the city council’s Portfolio Holder for Adult Social Care, said: “Social Work Week is a great opportunity for us to highlight the unique and vital work of care workers.

“The council is committed to recruiting more carers to a workforce that has bravely cared for some of our most vulnerable during the pandemic.

“I am proud of Hull’s care staff and this campaign gives us a chance to shine a spotlight on some remarkable people and the work that they do to serve some of the most vulnerable adults in our city.

To view some of the rewarding opportunities in social care, visit the Proud to Care website https://www.proudtocarehull.co.uk/ .