The national week, which runs from the 16th to 20th March, is organised by Social Work England and recognises the impact of social work and brings together professionals, students and people with lived experience to share learning and shape the future of the profession. The week also coincides with World Social Work Day on Tuesday 17 March - an international day recognising the achievements of social workers and the positive difference they make to communities.
Across Stockport, social workers support children, families, adults and older people every day, helping residents stay safe, maintain independence and access the help they need.
Supporting people to live safely and independently
One example of this work comes from Michael Jay Begley, a social worker and assistant team leader in Stockport’s adult social care service.
Michael’s interest in social care began early in life. As the eldest in a large family, he often helped care for his younger siblings while his parents worked. After studying sociology and criminology at university, he began his career supporting homeless young people before training as a social worker.
Michael now works with people experiencing multiple disadvantage in Stockport and also coordinates Making Every Adult Matter (MEAM) locally, bringing together organisations across the borough to support people facing complex challenges.
One case involved supporting a man in his fifties with undiagnosed learning difficulties who had lived with his mother for most of his life. After she passed away, he struggled to manage independently and his home fell into severe disrepair.
Working with colleagues across services, Michael helped arrange temporary accommodation, financial support and a care package to help the man develop the skills needed to live independently. The individual was eventually able to move into his own flat with ongoing support and is now living more safely and independently.
Michael says social care can be a challenging but rewarding career and encourages anyone interested in the profession to gain experience across different areas of the service and develop a strong understanding of how organisations work together to support people.
Helping people rebuild their lives
Peter Ashton, who works in Stockport’s adult social care service, was inspired to pursue a career in social care after supporting a family member living with dementia.
Seeing how important the right support was in helping his grandmother remain independent for as long as possible gave him a first-hand understanding of the difference social care can make to people and their families.
Peter now works with people experiencing multiple disadvantage, including homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges.
One case involved supporting a man who had been rough sleeping following a breakdown in family relationships and was not engaging with services. By working closely with housing services and partner organisations across Stockport, Peter helped coordinate the support needed for the man to secure his own accommodation.
With a safe place to live and the right support in place, the individual is now managing his tenancy and engaging with services as he works towards improving his health and wellbeing.
Supporting families to make lasting change
Rebecca Hollingdale, a Senior Therapeutic Social Worker in the Greater Manchester Family Drug and Alcohol Court (FDAC) team, has worked in social care for more than seven years.
Rebecca began her career as a support worker in a range of services, including domestic abuse support and working with adults with learning disabilities. Wanting to advocate more strongly for people and support long-term change led her to pursue a career in social work.
For the past six years she has worked with the Greater Manchester FDAC team, which has recently celebrated its fifth anniversary, and supports parents whose children are involved in care proceedings due to issues such as substance misuse.
Working alongside social workers and other professionals across several Greater Manchester authorities, Rebecca helps parents address the challenges they face and work towards positive change. The role involves intensive therapeutic work with families, supporting them through complex and often difficult situations while helping them build safer and more stable futures.
Rebecca says the role is challenging but incredibly rewarding, particularly when families are able to make meaningful changes in their lives..
National recognition
Stockport is also proud to see local teams recognised through the British Association of Social Workers’ (BASW) Amazing Social Workers campaign, which celebrates outstanding achievements across the UK social work profession.
Run by BASW, the UK’s largest professional body for social work, the campaign champions the exceptional work taking place across the profession and helps raise awareness and public understanding of the vital role social workers play in supporting children, families and adults in communities.
More than 300 individuals and teams were nominated by colleagues across the UK this year, including frontline practitioners, students, managers, leaders, educators and newly qualified social workers.
This year, Stockport’s Cheadle Team is being recognised as part of the campaign, highlighting the important work taking place across the borough to support residents facing complex challenges.
Cllr Wendy Meikle, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education
Social Work Week is an important opportunity to recognise the dedication, compassion and professionalism of our social workers here in Stockport. Every day they support children, families and adults through complex situations, helping people stay safe, independent and connected to their communities.
The stories highlighted this week show the real and lasting difference social workers make to people’s lives, and I want to thank all of our teams for the vital work they do across the borough.
Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adult Social Care
Our social workers play a crucial role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people in Stockport, often going above and beyond to ensure residents receive the care, protection and support they need.
It is fantastic to see the work of our teams recognised during Social Work Week and to see the Cheadle Team acknowledged through the British Association of Social Workers’ Amazing Social Workers campaign. A heartfelt thank you to all of our social workers and support staff across the borough. The work they do can be challenging and complex, but it makes a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.
Find out more from social workers in Stockport and information about careers in adult social care.