Social Work Day is a chance to celebrate the work we do with families and reflect on how we can continue to support each other, our children and young people and our families.

We sat down with our Director for Children’s Services and some of his senior team to get their perspective on what makes social work so special.

What is it about working with families that makes it so special?

Dr Risthardh Hare, Director for Children’s Services: Social work is often misunderstood as a profession and unless you have worked with families closely, you will not fully understand how rewarding it can be and the transformative impact this work can have.

Working in this sector, we spend our days supporting individuals and families who are going through difficult times and offering the support they need to navigate these challenges. The work we do is not about fixing problems from a place of judgment, but about offering support, opportunity and compassion in a way that empowers people to move forward in a positive way.

What is the best thing about social work for you?

RH: In my experience, the most remarkable aspect of the work we do with families is witnessing the resilience and strength of children, young people and families. We often encounter children and young people who have faced adversity, which may have impacted their sense of hope for the future. The ability to support children and young people when this happens and be a catalyst for change in their lives, is what makes this profession truly special.

Paula Seivewright, Head of Service for Support and Protect and the Children with Complex Needs Service: Totally agree! It’s a privilege to be building relationships with children and families that may have already achieved more than we can ever understand and to play a part in their journey and make life better, easier, more enriching is a joy.

What is it about social work that made you so passionate about working in this sector?

Jo Cross, Assistant Director for Cared for Children:

The work we do as social workers is rooted in a profound belief in social justice and empowerment. Social work is not just a job; it is a vocation and a privilege. It is meaningful and worthwhile, comparable to any other respected profession like medicine or law.

It’s about humanity, love, and the belief that with the right support, every individual can reach their full potential and live their best life. This is particularly true in children’s social work, where we have the opportunity to shape the future of young people and impact their lives in ways that will resonate for years to come.

Laura Doyle, Head of Service for Corporate Parenting: Agreed. Every day, we work towards giving a voice to those who feel unheard, finding hope where there may not have been hope before and empowering individuals who feel powerless to take control of their own lives.

To work with families who are facing challenges, you have to have an unwavering belief in the potential for change. It is this belief that drives us to get out of bed every day, knowing that we have the power to make someone’s world just a little bit better than it was yesterday.

Why do you think it is important to celebrate Social Work Day?

RH: Social workers are amazing and I am so passionate about this sector and making sure we bang the drum for everyone who works with families in Sefton. I celebrate Social Work Day by giving praise to all professionals who work with families as without the input of us all around a child or family, we can’t find the right solutions.

Our Team Around the School is the perfect example of this where we see teachers, social workers, health professionals, mental health workers, early help workers and more all coming together around one school to support the families we all work with.

Social work is about more than social workers; we all contribute to helping families make positive change and ensuring children are happy, safe and thriving.