What is Social Work? Meet some real Social Workers

Mike Walsh, Senior Practitioner, Disabilities Team

"Social work is my third career. I started out as a mental health nurse, then went into industry. I played football for the senior side of a local youth club and gradually became more involved in the club. That triggered my interest in social work and I became a senior residential worker in a local children's home. After various jobs, I was seconded to a social work course. Since qualifying, I have worked with disturbed young people, and adults with profound disabilities. I took a year out to run a community narrow boat on the Grand Union Canal, then became a manager in a hospital-based team working with older people. Because I wanted to work more closely with clients, I have now stepped sideways into a senior practitioner role. I love every minute of it.

Often, it's putting together all the different things that need to happen to help people keep control of their lives. Sometimes, it's helping people through life-changing events. You're an advocate for people and someone they can turn to. You need to win their confidence, even when they're wary of your role; and you have a lot of autonomy to organise your own caseload and make your own judgements. I can't imagine doing anything else."

A Case from Mike's File

Mr and Mrs M have been together for 60 years - they met while serving in World War 2.

He is 86. She is 84 and for some years has suffered from Alzheimer's disease. This has advanced to the stage where she needs virtually continuous care, but Mr M will not entertain the idea of her leaving the home they have shared for so long.

I'm the person who co-ordinates the care package that enables Mr M to look after his wife. This includes four daily visits from Home Care assistants, a daily visit from a District Nurse, a hot meal delivery service, a sitting service to let Mr M go out shopping or have a break, and occasional respite care for Mr M when I can persuade him to take it. I consult Mr M at every step because he is still her main carer and proactive in shaping how the package works.

It might have been easier for all the professionals involved to persuade Mr M that a nursing home was the better option. But there's a real satisfaction in being able to support his devotion to his wife, and seeing a multi-disciplinary team pulling together to make it possible.