Celebrating social work across Cumbria
THE importance and success of social work across Cumbria was celebrated at five events across Cumbria this week (March 21).
To mark World Social Work Day 2023 Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley and Principal Social Worker for Adults, Becky Squires met with teams in South Lakeland, Furness, West Cumbria, Carlisle and Eden, to thank them for their hard work and dedication to supporting residents across the county.
Catherine said: “This has been an opportunity to thank our teams, and listen to what their successes have been and what working in social work means to them.
“People are proud of what they do, and are committed to helping residents. One person said what they liked most about being a Mental Health Social Worker is being able to develop working relationships with people in order to help them make changes in their lives or sort out problems that sometimes they have had for a long time.
“They gave an excellent example of a gentleman they have worked with over the last eight months who had significant issues around hoarding. They were able to sort out a deep clean for him and then work with him to develop a routine to keep his flat from going back to the way it was. Though this is still an ongoing process they have received really positive feedback from him about my work including. The gentleman told them he was really pleased that they were his social worker and the housing officer won’t be giving him a warning now.”
Becky added: “Another of our team said they enjoy being a social worker because they are in the privileged position of being involved in the lives of the people they work with; helping them make improvements to their quality of life and supporting them to understand their rights is very special.
“They said once the person’s care needs were addressed, a large part of their work was about just being there and listening when things were tough for the family on a daily basis, and as they navigated challenging processes with other agencies. They said, knowing that they can make a positive impact is really important, and they feel proud to be a social worker in Cumbria.”
Cath added: “For those of us working in Cumbria, this is a very poignant year, as we prepare to join one of the two new council services for the county - Cumberland and Westmorland & Furness.
“World Social Work Day has been a great opportunity for social workers new to Cumbria to meet with colleagues, many for the first time - and to share what has been achieved during our time working for Cumbria County Council in social work. It has been a showcase for the invaluable role of our profession, and thank everyone for their hard work and dedication to communities across Cumbria.”
“Social Work is a very rewarding career and there is a wide range of opportunities within the profession. World Social Work Day is a celebration of that work.”
Information on working in social work is available on the Cumbria County Council website with details of recruitment opportunities in adult and children’s social work. The new councils will continue to develop community links and career pathways into social work and social care to support everyone in our communities to have a good quality of life.
Social Work England is hosting a week of events until March 24 for people working in Social Work or considering a career in the profession.
Information on a career in social work is available from the Cumbria County Council website.
Top Left
Celebrating World Social Work Day 2023 with Social Workers in Kendal, Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley and Principal Social Worker for Adults, Becky Squire.
Top Right
Celebrating World Social Work Day 2023 with Social Workers in Barrow, Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley and Principal Social Worker for Adults, Becky Squire.
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Celebrating World Social Work Day 2023 with Social Workers in Workington, Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley and Principal Social Worker for Adults, Becky Squire.
Bottom Left
Celebrating World Social Work Day 2023 with Social Workers in Cumbria House, Carlisle, Chief Executive for Cumberland Shadow Council, Andrew Seekings, Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley and Principal Social Worker for Adults, Becky Squire.
Bottom Right
Celebrating World Social Work Day 2023 with Social Workers in Penrith, Cumbria County Council’s Assistant Director of Adult Social Care, Catherine Whalley and Principal Social Worker for Adults, Becky Squire.