Our purpose

We know social work changes lives. With children and families relying on social workers more than ever, we’re determined to help make that change happen.

700,000 children and their families rely on the support of a social worker each year.

More families are living in poverty, having to choose between food or heating and trying to work out how to make ends meet. More people are struggling with their mental health and addiction. Domestic violence has increased hugely since the start of the pandemic.

Children living through these circumstances often face challenges no child should. Some might be cold, hungry or unable to focus at school. Others may experience abuse, trauma or neglect, lacking the love, care and protection they need to grow.

This not only harms them in the here and now but, without help, can do long-term damage too.

But social workers can change this.

The work social workers do with children and families can be the difference between a family being able to get through these tough times or not. To stay together and thrive. Or to take steps that means a child is kept safe from harm. At the heart of their work is advocating for children, letting them know they have someone in their corner.

We support and work with social workers to make sure they can do this, or to find ways around the things that stop them being able to. And to make sure they get the training and development they need to work with children and families that gives them the best possible chance in life.

I think social workers are important because they play a big part in a child’s life, supporting them with whatever experience they have been through, helping them to overcome this trauma.

Laila, care experienced young person

Social work stories need to be heard

When was the last time you read a positive story about a social worker and family online or in the media? How much do you think you know about what social workers really do, or the difference they’re making?

We’re lucky enough to hear these stories every day. They’re not always easy to hear – like every role and person’s life they have really tough days.

But they also show the power of human connection, of people working together to help others and get them through dark times, of showing children and young people how much they mean and why they need to keep going.

We aim to change the narrative, dispelling myths and harmful misconceptions about social work. We want to highlight the real, often unsung, impact of social workers.