Celebrating the ‘life-changing work’ of an often misunderstood profession

Social workers, it’s fair to say, are not used to hearing good news about their profession.

Too often it hits the headlines when things go wrong, while the everyday lifechanging work of social workers and the positive difference they make largely goes unnoticed.

Last month an event was held in Birmingham to challenge that narrative.

Organised by BASW England, the Celebrating Social Work day gathered together social workers and people with lived experience of social work. It aimed to be a reminder of the transformative difference the profession makes.

Jackie Mahoney, a team manager from the north west, said: “It was quite emotional hearing so many good things about social work from people with lived experience of how social work has had a really positive impact on their lives.

“I found it a brilliant event. For me it encapsulated feeling connected and part of a community which is something that BASW generates and I have always considered BASW as my club.”

Around 30 social workers from a range of services, including local authority workers, independents, newly qualified retired workers and service users attended.

According to Jackie, it is vital that events such as this take place to challenge the “narrative of the mainstream media”.

She said: “Of course there are things that go wrong but social work ends up being the scapegoat for other professions involved. In most of these tragic events there is more than one profession involved.

“We have to counter that with a different narrative, that social workers every day are doing good work with people and the population.

“They do their best and they do good things. We need also to have that sense of community within social work that is supportive when things go wrong.”

The Celebrating Social Work day underlined that there is a “safe space” where “everyone understands what social work is as a profession and as an identity”, said Jackie. 

“I really felt that during the event. I enjoyed the connection and interaction and solidarity with members of my club.

“At a time when we have so much disconnected and discord and not having a sense of community, it was a place to support and welcome people.”

After the event, on attendee described it as: “A wonderful community restoring my faith in humanity!”

Another said: “We should celebrate social work more often and you have certainly helped us do that today.”

Connection in a time of discord

The celebration day too place on 12 August, a week after anti-Islamic violence and riots the likes of which the UK has not seen on the streets in decades were quelled.

Some would-be attendees said they did not feel safe travelling after witnessing such scenes of race hate.

Maris Stratulis, national director for BASW England, said: “We had Black members saying they felt anxious about coming out that day. 

“The event was recognising the connection between social workers and BASW members. That is not taking away the valid fear of some of our members being too scared to travel.

“Within the context of the celebration day there was acknowledgement and respect for people experiencing real challenge in terms of racism and Islamophobia.

“It was also acknowledging BASW as an organisation is about anti-discrimination and anti-racism. It was a celebration of unity and what is good and what is powerful: in the middle of this mire was this celebration of our membership voice.”

Maris said providing a platform for social workers to celebrate their profession and show solidarity was also important at a time when many people worked from home.

“We often don’t get the time to come together and celebrate our profession but the passion and commitment and connection around social justice was inspiring,” she added.

It is intended the event will now become an annual fixture in the social work calendar. 

Other feedback from the event

Social worker Janet Ayoola said: "In a world where social work is often misunderstood, it's more important than ever to spotlight the incredible, life-changing work done by social workers every day. While the media may focus on the challenges, we know that for every tough story there are countless moments of compassion, dedication, and success.” 

Russel Hogarth, who spoke of his lived experience of social work at the event, said: “It gave me the opportunity to share my positive experiences of social work intervention as a user of services and as a carer and how social work should be promoted at a good place where good things happen.

Social work student Edith Till said: “Events like this remind me that social work is more than just a job – it contributed towards challenging and breaking down the stigmas associated with the profession while making a real impact. I am looking forward to next year’s event.”

Graham Price said the event was an opportunity to say thank you to social work and BASW, where he has been an expert by experience member of the BASW England committee since 2018.

He added: “It has been an exciting, informative experience, confirming the value both provider and receiver constituents receive from co-joining their efforts to make a difference.”