Publish date: 17 March 2022
West London NHS Trust has been busy sharing the incredible career journeys of its social work staff as part of Social Work Week.
This year Social Work Week took place between Monday 14 March and Friday 18 March.
The aim of the week is to raise awareness around social work and the positive impact it has on people's lives.
The Trust is leading the way by employing more than 80 social workers across forensic and community services.
Many staff join the Trust as newly qualified social workers and through training and development opportunities grow into confident and valued members of staff.
In the last 12 months the Trust hosted a cohort of five Think Ahead students, a new route into mental health social work for graduates and people looking for a career change.
Barney Hibberd is a consultant social worker based in Ealing MINT (Mental Health Integrated Network Team). He started his career in social care after supporting a family member with learning difficulties and has around 20 years of experience under his belt.
His role currently includes training the first cohort of Think Ahead students, who will have the opportunity to join the Trust as permanent members of staff when they complete their training.
He said: "My current role, supporting students, is really inspiring. I really appreciate their enthusiasm, dedication and commitment to the programme. Not only in being able to share my own knowledge, but also in the way they encourage me to build and maintain my own commitment to up-to-date research and modern social work theories and concepts."
The Trust is now committed to hosting 13 Think Ahead students between 2022 and 2023 across forensic and local services.
As well as this, the Trust hosts a monthly social work forum, which all Trust-employed social workers are invited to. It's a chance to connect with one another, reflect on cases, share learning and discuss research.
Sarah Stearn is a CAMHS specialist mental health practitioner working across West London.
Her role includes attending Paediatric A&E and reviewing and assessing young people who may be in a mental health emergency.
She added: "The best part of my job is supporting a young person through a difficult time and then seeing them flourish in school, university and having their first romance. It's a heart-warming experience knowing you had a little part in helping that person get to where they want to be."
Carolyn Regan, CEO of West London NHS Trust, said: "I am proud to lead an organisation that employs over 80 social workers, including a Head of Social Work & Social Care and hosts Think Ahead social work trainees. Social workers are vital members of our teams, supporting service users, carers, families and local community organisations in a changing world. There are opportunities now to join us and shape future services in a more sustainable way."
Check out our Instagram and Facebook pages to read more social worker journeys.
