15 March 2022
Jersey's social workers will celebrate World Social Work Day today with a training and networking event at Highlands College.
World Social Work Day was founded in 1983 by the International Federation of Social Workers to celebrate the ways in which social work – and social workers – contribute to individuals, families, communities, and wider society.
The event will be attended by qualified social workers, and by many of the 17 students who are currently studying on the BA Social Work Degree at University College Jersey at Highlands College.
The introduction of a degree course in the Island followed the recommendations of the Jersey Care Inquiry, one of which outlined the need to build a stable and competent workforce.
During the event attendees will have an opportunity to network with practitioners within Government and the third sector, hear talks from senior colleagues, and discuss their experience of social work in Jersey.
Paul Rendell, Principal Social Worker for Adult Social Care, said: "The theme for World Social Work Day is to ensure that no-one is left behind. And while social workers work tirelessly every day to ensure that adults who need support aren't left behind, I'd like to use this as an opportunity to thank them for all they do.
"What social workers do is largely out of the public eye, but it has an extraordinary impact on the people they support. I'm proud to call them colleagues and friends and thank them for all they do for Islanders."
Mark Owers, Chief Social Worker for Children and Families said: "Social workers work tirelessly to safeguard children and to help change their lives for the better. It is a rewarding job, but deeply challenging, particularly in an Island setting.
"Ensuring that we have social workers on-Island, with the right support is critical to how we best support children and families. I'm looking forward to meeting with current colleagues, and with the students, our valuable social workers of tomorrow."
Rachel Troy, a final year student on the BA Social Work degree, said: "Both placements exceeded my expectations, and it has been an amazing opportunity to learn, develop and grown my social work identity.
"I am enthusiastic and passionate about social work and my placements have shown what a privilege it is to be able to support individuals and their families at a time in their lives that is often difficult or changing. "
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