Social workers support people throughout Portsmouth to live their lives in the best way possible.
This World Social Work Day, we’re highlighting the vital role of our social workers from across the city, who are sharing the reasons why their job is so important, as well as personally rewarding.
Three social workers from Portsmouth City Council’s adult and children’s social care teams, as well as the fostering service, share their stories:
Danielle has been a social worker since 2021. She works in Portsmouth’s rehabilitation and reablement team, helping people to regain their independence after an illness or disability. She says:
“People are complex and differ from day to day, which makes my role exciting and ever-changing. I enjoy being a small snapshot in someone’s life and making a positive difference.
A social worker needs to be transparent, honest, to be understanding and open, to be passionate about people, and to always expect the unexpected!”
Alice is a restorative practitioner who works with young people in the edge of care team. She is currently a first-year social work degree apprentice. She says:
“I previously worked in the sexual health service and the youth service. I’m looking forward to developing my skills further in social work through my apprenticeship.
Every young person I’ve worked with has their own story and their own successes which I am privileged to be a part of.”
Fiona is a supervising social worker in the fostering team, providing support and advice to foster carers. She says:
“I love hearing my foster carers talk about the children in their care with pride and warmth, and hearing all about the children’s accomplishments – this could range from a week of good behaviour at school to being accepted to university.
The support I give to foster carers allows them to give the best care to the children of Portsmouth.”
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing & Social Care, said:
“We’re so proud of our social workers and the work they do to support people in Portsmouth to live the lives that they want to lead. Please join us in thanking them for everything they do so they can get some of the recognition they deserve this World Social Work Day.”
Cllr Suzy Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, and Deputy Leader of Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Despite a vast range of constantly changing difficulties, our social workers dedicate themselves to helping the city’s children, families, and vulnerable adults in some of the most trying situations.
“We’d like to take a moment to thank them on World Social Work Day for everything they do to ensure that every child in Portsmouth has the best possible start in life.”
If you’re interested to learn about social work roles in Portsmouth you can find out more on our careers in social care page and our Foster Portsmouth website.