The Social Work Professional Support Service launches in Wales

BASW Cymru is delighted to announce that from today, Wednesday 17th November, all social workers in Wales will be able to access free wellbeing support from the Social Work Professional Support Service (SWPSS)

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to many additional pressures and challenges for the social work profession. Thanks to funding from Welsh Government, BASW Cymru, in partnership with Strengthening Practice, a relational social care training company, can offer additional free support to all social workers in Wales.

Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Social Services said,

"Working throughout this pandemic will be the most difficult time our social care workforce will have encountered. Social workers have sacrificed so much during the last 18 months and continually put the wellbeing of others above their own. I am pleased we have been able to work with BASW to provide this essential support and opportunity for the workforce to support each other to recover from this difficult time as well as to progress their careers.”

The Social Work Professional Support Service is a peer-to-peer listening service, in which trained volunteer coaches can support colleagues in confidence. It is here to help social workers debrief and reflect upon any current concerns in a safe space. The service is also a great way to explore professional development needs.

This free and confidential service, designed by and for social workers, is an opportunity for individuals to reflect and talk through any personal and professional challenges they might be facing – to find solutions and ways forward – and be supported through this process by a volunteer coach who is also a social worker.

Allison Hulmes, BASW Cymru Director commented that,

“BASW Cymru is very grateful to the Welsh Government for its support of the professional support service which will be extended to all social workers in Wales from November the 17th. The peer led service plugs a gap in the wellbeing support needs of social workers who continue to give dedicated and compassionate service in a challenging environment. We encourage all social work employers to support their workforce in accessing this vital service during their working day.”

Social workers can access up to three video or telephone sessions with a trained volunteer coach who understands the challenges faced by the social work community. Click here to find a coach to work with.