Team Tameside celebrates social care!

SOCIAL Work teams are being celebrated to show appreciation for the difference they make to people’s lives in Tameside.

Social Work England describes someone who works in social work as ‘someone who listens and supports people, whilst empowering them to improve their lives. They also protect people from harm when necessary.’

Praise is a Complex Safeguarding Social Worker in Children’s Services, said it makes her feel proud to support families when “you actually become that trusted person and they let you in, and begin to share things about themselves.”

Jo, a Social Work Apprentice in Children’s Services, was asked what kind of difference her role makes to people in Tameside. She said: “The child is where they need to be, the family is where they need to be, and we can all make that decision to step out of the child and family’s life. That is the most powerful thing for me.”

Geraldine, a Social Work Apprentice in Adult Services was asked what she enjoys most about her role and she said: ''It's empathy, encouragement and empowerment. You're meeting people for the first time, it's their story. Give them the time to tell the story.''

Zaid, a Social Worker in Adults Services was asked the same question to which he said: ''I love helping people – I  love making a difference.''

For those interested in starting a career in Social Work, Tameside Council offer support through their Social Work Academy, which provides the knowledge and skills needed for social workers wishing to progress into leadership.

Tameside Council also offer an Assessed and Supported Year in Employment programme (ASYE) for Newly Qualified Social Workers (NQSW) in Adults and Children’s Services. This programme offers the support, knowledge and experience for those wanting to become a confident and skilled professional social worker. This includes sacrifice schemes for savings and transport, and a three-year plan for development and progression.

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, Cllr Teresa Smith said, “I’d like to say thank you to all our colleagues who work in social care. I’m proud to be celebrating our passionate social care teams for being the difference by keeping children at the heart of everything they do!

“It’s really important that we highlight the long lasting, positive impact you make on our children and family’s lives.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr John Taylor said: “We're so proud of our social care workforce and the difference they make to people's lives in Tameside.

“Thank you, your dedication shines through, with the support you provide and working together you always put the person at the centre of the decisions they make.

“Ultimately, this means more people are living good lives with the people they love in the place they call home.''

People who have been inspired to be the difference and join Team Tameside can take a look at job opportunities at www.tameside.gov.uk/jobs