What is Social Work? Meet some real Social Workers

Siobhan Bowd & Afzal Ahmed - Social Workers

Siobhan:

"I work with young people who are going through the process of leaving care - foster or residential. They are all on a journey into independence, but need a helping hand along the way. The most important thing you can do is listen, understand, and be with them as they search for solutions. It involves making an assessment of needs, preparing a care plan and then reviewing progress. I work in partnership with the young person and other people important to them. The work is varied. You could be going to the job centre with them one day; offering emotional support through the turmoil of adolescence the next. They are teenagers after all!

I came into social work through periods of voluntary work in the UK and abroad. I did a social studies degree and went on to take a Diploma/Masters in Social Work. I have worked in different fields, including palliative work with people who have chronic or terminal disease. Working with young people can be frustrating, but it's also tremendously challenging and rewarding. The great thing is just how energising it is."

A Case From Siobhan's File

Jenny put herself into care - a foster home - after her mother pushed her downstairs on her 16th birthday. It was the culmination of a childhood of abuse; Jenny decided she'd had enough. Fostering went OK but at 18 she moved out into supported housing - a women's hostel - and started to struggle. She had no family to call on and got into an abusive relationship with a man. I was one of the few people who she could look to. Most of what I did was listening, talking things though, helping with practical matters... Being consistent in my support for her.

Now she's a strong, independent, young woman. She has her own tenancy, attends college, and is looking to make a career in journalism. She has joined our fostering panel as an advisor, representing other youngsters. Jenny has taken charge of her life. I'm proud for her; and pleased to have been able to help.

Afzal:

"I took a degree in electronics management and worked with London Underground for two years before deciding that social work was where I really wanted to be. I had been an assistant youth worker before university and carried on with youth work part-time while I was a student. The death of my father made me re-evaluate my career. I got a research job within social services, investigating low take-up of services among ethnic minority groups. Subsequently, my employer sponsored me to do the 2-year Diploma in Social Work.

I feel I have an important job to do in advocating on behalf of young people within a system that they don't find it easy to connect with... We need to give them the best start so they can fulfil their potential."