As this year’s festivities begin, I wanted to take the opportunity to say an enormous thank you to the people who keep things going, social workers, occupational therapists, social care staff in local authorities and everyone working in provider services...
I am so pleased to be writing this blog, celebrating the publication of ‘People at the heart of care’, the Government's adult social care reform White Paper.
Social work and social care values are at its core. This is about valuing people and what matters to them.
"‘Mental health in an unequal world’, this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, is one I believe all mental health social work colleagues can relate to" says Jason Brandon, Mental Health Social Work Lead at DHSC.
Lyn Romeo takes this opportunity to say a big thank you to Fran Leddra, who comes to the end of her secondment as joint Chief Social Worker (CSW) for Adults.
As we approach a festive season that will be very different for all of us, we wanted to say thank you again for the support you have provided our communities during a very challenging year.
We continue to be moved by stories of dedication, kindness and empathy across the social care workforce and by your equally dedicated NHS colleagues. We know many of you will continue to provide care and support in your communities and go the extra mile to work over the holiday period. Likewise, others will take a much-needed rest with their loved ones before shortly returning to work.
Fran Leddra and Mark Harvey were originally due to end their time as joint Chief Social Workers for Adults (CSWs) in October this year, yet you may have noticed they are still here.That's why they want to share with you an update from Lyn Romeo, the original Chief Social Worker for Adults currently on sabbatical, to explain why and let you know they will be continuing in their roles until March 2021.
Diana Katoto is a student at the University of Birmingham, studying a BA Social Work. She has a passion for social justice and prides herself on promoting human rights. The tragic death of George Floyd in the United States has prompted her to write this heartfelt and challenging blog. Diana tasks our social work profession - and by extension all other UK based institutions and networks - to be louder in our condemnation and take active steps to combat racism wherever we find it.
For a uniquely personal take on matters of race, discrimination, unconscious bias and the many other issues thrown into sharp relief by recent events in the US, we are proud to present this excellent blog from Nadia Khan.
Nadia is a registered social worker, AMHP and Interim Service Manager for Mental Health with Bradford Council - her words are honest, powerful and inspiring.
Claire Wood is a first placement social work student from Bradford College. She is currently placed at Roshni Ghar, a mental health charity providing culturally appropriate, responsive services for South Asian women experiencing mental ill health. Like many in her situation, her placement has been paused because of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Claire offers some honest, empathic and ultimately positive reflections on the world we find ourselves in and suggests how we can look out for each other, professionally and personally, in these most unusual of times.
In our social work with adults blogs this year we will be introducing thought provoking themes and ideas from across the sector. Ones that may challenge us, others that we can relate to, but all that will hopefully engage us …