NI Minister praises unseen contribution of social workers

Health Minister Jim Wells has applauded the often unseen commitment, hard work and dedication of social workers.

He addressed over 150 social workers from the profession at the annual Social Work Conference in Lisburn Civic Centre which aims to promote the important role that social workers play in an integrated Health & Social Services and in particular the role of first line managers and the ‘Leaders for Tomorrow’.

Addressing social workers from across both the statutory and voluntary sectors the Minister said: “When I became Minister of Health and Social Care one of the first things I inherited was the serious financial situation we find ourselves in and the gap there is between what people want from the service and what was going to be possible.

“And I look to everyone in the health care system to advise me on what my choices are and what are the right things to do? My challenge is your challenge.

“Even in these straitened times the health and social care service must remain a priority and is one of the most important things a government can do for the people it serves.

“That is why I, and my officials, have devoted so much energy to make the case for the health and social care budget to be protected from the dire cuts being faced by other Departments.”

The Conference is part of a range of events and activities underway to support the implementation of the first ever NI Social Work Strategy produced by the Department in 2012 and being implemented by the HSCB.

On promoting leadership in social work the Minister said: “Social workers across the profession should challenge the status quo and use creative and innovative approaches in their daily work.

“I am aware of good work underway particularly in support of the reforms set out in Transforming Your Care and moving to home as the hub of care and I would encourage social workers across the profession to build on this and to work to deliver on a bigger scale.”

Emphasising the hugely important role social workers have to play, the Minister went on to say: “As an MLA I’ve developed a good understanding of the work social workers do with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our society. Today I want to publicly thank you for that work.”

In closing the Minister said: “My predecessor Edwin Poots left me a legacy for social work and I fully I intend to build on it. That legacy is the first ever social work strategy for Northern Ireland and it very much written with the future in mind. This strategy is the blueprint for you as leaders of social work and I’m committed to its continued implementation.

“I fully endorse the strategy’s goal to strengthen and improve social work services for the future and ensure they are at the forefront of addressing new and emerging issues in our society.”