"The Hub was born..."

How The Student Social Work Hub is helping to bring a sense of community to a generation of social work students...

The Student Social Work Hub is exactly what it sounds like - a virtual centre of activity, information for those studying social work,” says Fee Steane.

“With everything that’s going on in the world, this is a tough time to be a student, particularly in such a demanding industry.

“The Hub offers a safe space for students to share their concerns, access resources, and ask questions."

Fee, a third-year student at Nottingham Trent University, is one of a core group of seven members that launched the Hub last May, weeks after the country went into national lockdown.

“There was a lot of anxiety around that time, for everyone,” says Fee.

“For students like us, we weren’t sure whether we were going to be able to sit our exams, or finish the placements we needed to qualify.

“We were all still working to deadlines, but without knowing what was going to happen, and nobody had any answers for us, because everybody was focused on dealing with covid.

“That was the catalyst. A group of us decided that student social workers needed a community.”

The Hub was born. Weeks later, with restrictions still in place, the Hub organised a virtual Freshers Week, which cemented its place on the social work map.

Kelly Centro, a leaving care PA and second year social work apprentice, says: “We got some good speakers and hosted some webinars.

“We ended up meeting with Chief Social Worker Isabelle Trowler, Social Work England, and a lot of other key organisations, discussing how the voices of students could help to shape policy and procedure.”

Becky Salter, a third year student at the University of South Wales, says: “We began really focusing on different ways to inspire and connect the community.

“We hosted #TheoryThursday, and #StopAndReadSaturday, encouraging students everywhere to share articles and ideas and welcoming guest blogs from social work professionals.

“We launched a book club, a podcast, and a penpal ‘buddy’ scheme, pairing up more than 70 students from all across the UK.”

Kelly adds: “We really are just a group of students. This is not something we’re doing professionally, or commercially - and we’re careful not to weigh in too heavily on political issues.

“We're here for students, as students ourselves. That's it."

Nine months on, the Hub’s community has grown, welcoming more than 5,000 members and followers across the UK.

The next big thing on their agenda is ‘Bohemianfest’ - a one-day virtual ‘festival’ to mark their one-year anniversary, featuring speakers, music, activities, and competitions.

“Details coming soon…” teased Becky.

Along with Becky, Fee, and Kelly, the Hub team includes Emma Grady, Kristine Bloomfield, Nim Ayilara, Emma Brookes, Duane Phillips, and Dylan Sloan. So what will happen to the Hub when they all finish their degrees?

Fee smiles: “It would be great to have other students coming up through the ranks to pass the baton to.

“We’ve now expanded to a team of nine, and we’re loving working together to build up this fantastic community.”

So, have any of them met in real life?

Kelly nods: “Three of us did cross paths at an event once, but that’s it.

“We’re spread all over the UK, and having launched during the pandemic, there’s been no other opportunities to meet face-to-face - though we look forward to the day we can!”