Posted on: 16 March 2021
Today is World Social Work Day, which is a time to celebrate and reflect on the vital work Social Workers do in the community.
CNWL’s Chief Executive, Claire Murdoch said, “Social Workers constantly think about the rights and needs of individuals. Social Workers get really practical, looking systemically at peoples whole lives not just a symptom, what’s happening with housing, the family, what’s the safeguarding issues, how do you within complex environments really promote people’s rights and their wellbeing. It’s an extraordinary profession”.
See Claire Murdoch’s full message to CNWL Social Workers on World Social Work Day below:
Last week CNWL’s Social workers got together for a celebration of the work they have done during such a challenging year. It was inspiring to hear how Social Workers have transformed the lives of those they support and see their dedication to tackle a number of inequalities. This was particularly apparent when CNWL Social Worker, Elizabeth Folarin asked everyone present to write down a word that best describes the pride they have for the work they do. They wrote, ‘seeing potential achieved’, ‘fighting for equality’, ‘systemic change’, ‘being an independent voice’, ‘social justice’.
Each year World Social Work Day has a theme, this year’s theme is Ubuntu: I am because we are. Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning humanity, at its core it reinforces the connections we have with each other, how our actions affect another person, as we are all intrinsically connected. This message of Ubuntu aligns with the ethics of social work itself as it highlights co-operation, working together and solidarity. Speaking about this year’s theme at CNWL’s Social Worker Celebration, the CEO of the British Association of Social Workers, Dr Ruth Allen said, “This year’s theme is about learning from our global colleagues and how we can become a more inclusive society, a more Ubuntu society through our connections”.
At the end of last week’s celebration Karen Cook, Head of Social Work and Social Care revealed every Social Worker within CNWL will be getting a Proud to be a Social Worker mug and the Little Book of Social Worker Wisdom, as a thank you to all the work CNWL’s Social Workers have done throughout the past year. Karen said, “it’s a small thank you, have that on display in every meeting to show pride and wave the Social Worker flag because you deserve to wave that flag”.
10% of NHS Social Workers in England are from CNWL and they all do an incredible job to help the people they care for live their best lives, Happy Social Work Day.