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Department of Health and Social Care

Our message of thanks, faith and hope

christmas decorations

Our message of thanks, faith and hope

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.

Read more of Our message of thanks, faith and hope

Black Lives Matter in the UK too but where is the voice of social work?

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Communities, Society, Viewpoint
Black Lives Matter peaceful protest in New York

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.

Pandemics, processes and personal issues

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Addiction services, Coronavirus
Door opening

Most people in treatment for drug and alcohol use are being helped in community settings, staying at home and working with their treatment providers, who are supporting their ongoing care through the coronavirus pandemic. Karen Biggs is the Chief Executive of Phoenix Futures, a specialist substance misuse treatment charity.

Whilst the advice for most of the treatment sector has been to find ways to support people without face to face contact, in residential care homes this has been more difficult to achieve. Karen explains how her organisation has continued to help people despite the challenges of lockdown.

Black lives matter...

Posted by: , and , Posted on: - Categories: Communities, Society
George Floyd mural

Over the past few days, those of us in the Office of the Chief Social Worker for Adults and the Office of the Chief Social Worker for Children and Families have been shocked and horrified by the death of George Floyd. The subsequent outpouring of anger, despair and emotion that has followed has focused our minds once again on the presence of racism and intolerance in our societies.

Lightbulbs, leadership and being true to yourself

Posted by: , and , Posted on: - Categories: Communities, Our profession, Viewpoint
lightbulb drawn in chalk on blackboard

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.

Adult social work is fifty years young

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Coronavirus, Our profession
Fredric Seebohm

50 years ago this week, the Local Authority Social Services Act received royal assent and with it the creation of a new approach to social services. The act was the culmination of over two years work by Fredric Seebohm and his committee and the publication of the pivotal Seebohm Report.

This report set out the recommendations and aspiration for the foundations of a modern, forward thinking, independent and responsive social services system. Joint Chief Social Worker Mark Harvey reflects on the distance travelled since then.

Mental health social work's time is now

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Mental health
Mark Trewin presents

Another Mental Health Awareness Week is almost over – its importance given added resonance by the way the coronavirus pandemic has affected the physical and mental wellbeing of each and every one of us.

Of course, supporting people to maintain good mental health is a continuous and collaborative effort. Our colleague Mark Trewin, the Mental Health Social Work lead in the Chief Social Workers for Adults’ office has been proving the truth of this statement.

Reflections on faith and keeping safe

Posted by: and , Posted on: - Categories: Care and support, Communities, Coronavirus
Mosque

Worshiping in a time of pandemic poses unique challenges, but our faith communities are finding ways to adapt and maintain connections. Likewise, our social workers of faith are taking the time to reflect on how their practice can dovetail with community traditions to maintain love, friendship and fellowship with those they serve and hold dear.

Virtual relations

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Coronavirus, Innovation
Video conference call. A screen with four participants observed by another.

Social distancing during the current pandemic is pushing social work practice online, but is it possible to maintain relational approaches through smartphones, tablets and laptops? Tanya Moore, Principal Social Worker at Hertfordshire Adult Care Services, believes 'hi tech' shouldn’t mean 'low connection' and asks us to consider how we can maintain sensitive and purposeful relationships in these unusual times.

Don't forget the people behind the figures

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Care and support, Our profession
Treeline reflection on a lake

Behind every statistic there is a person. Vanessa Hodge, Principal Social Worker for Adults at Somerset County Council, reflects on social work's role during the coronavirus pandemic as it continues to affect all our lives, not least those working in or being supported by community adult social care services.

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