32 ‘WHY DID YOU BECOME A SOCIAL WORKER?’ Social Work leaders Sherry Malik and Rachel Farnham look at where it all began.
A
s a teacher working with young children, I was always interested in what was going on in the family and how it impacted on the children, so when I had the opportunity of being seconded to a social work course, it seemed like a natural step. IT’S BEEN A PRIVILEGE TO BE PART OF A PROFESSION WHICH CAN HELP CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES FOR THE BETTER. AFTER MORE THAN
Social Workers have continued to work. to build, strengthen, and value our relationships. We have found such Whether dropping in essential food parcels, supporting carers looking after creative ways to keep delivering online, doing one-to-one sessions vulnerable adults, teaching strategies with children, keeping-in-touch calls to help parents cope with lockdowns, with vulnerable adults, meetings with or making safe home visits to monitor colleagues, training sessions, and vulnerable children, Social Workers have continued to reach out - in person workshops. and online - to be there for those who need their support.
Technology has been a blessing, allowing us to stay connected.
SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE,
AS WE EMERGE INTO THE NEW
SOCIAL WORK GOT CAUGHT
NORMAL, WE MUST REFLECT ON
UP IN MORE PAPERWORK, AND
HOW WE CAN USE WHAT WE HAVE
LESS CONTACT WITH THOSE WE
EXPERIENCED TO BUILD A NEW
ACTUALLY SUPPORT.
WAY OF LIVING AND WORKING.
30 YEARS OF WORKING IN SOCIAL CARE, I HAVE MET HUNDREDS OF SOCIAL WORKERS, WORKING WITH THOUGHTFULNESS, CARE, AND CREATIVITY. The pandemic did not deter them. I am in awe of the creativity with which
The pandemic has brought into sharp focus that relationships matter, and that if we want to effect change, having a good relationship with those we support, as well as our colleagues, is essential for good outcomes. Working remotely has forced us to think more consciously about how
WE LONG FOR HUMAN CONTACT AND, WHEN WE DO RETURN, LET US NOT ABANDON ALL WE HAVE LEARNT DURING THIS TIME. Sherry Malik, NED @DimensionsUK, Former DCS @NSPCC, Trustee @IWFhotline @socialworkaward.
