Celebrate World Social Work Day 2019 with us!

19 March marks World Social Work Day, with the theme of promoting the importance of human relationships. We think that social work is built on human relationships – and we want to celebrate all the fantastic work that goes on across Scotland. So here’s how we’re marking the day:

• Read President Jackie Irvine’s statement below about the recognition of social work in Scotland
• Listen to Director Ben Farrugia talking about his views on social work today as featured on Iriss FM’s Freshly Squeezed podcast

Let us know how you’re celebrating using #wswd19!

Jackie Irvine, President of Social Work Scotland says: “Today, like every day, social workers will be out making a positive and lasting difference to the lives of people across Scotland. Ours is a profession built on the importance and power of human relationships, and as President of Social Work Scotland it is my privilege to see how colleagues are using relationships to address the trauma, disadvantage and inequality which marks all of our communities.    

Fifty years may have passed since the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 ushered in the profession, but the value and necessity of our work has never been more important. At Social Work Scotland we believe the profession’s values of compassion and social justice, and our commitment to people and relationships, are the key to ensuring public services are built around the person. That they enable and empower, not just hold and maintain. On this World Social Work Day 2019 I hope you’ll join us in celebrating the importance of human relationships, and the professionals who seek to build them. To borrow the words of Scotland’s former Lord Advocate, Dame Elish Angiolini: “Day in, day out, our social workers go where others fear to tread, doing brilliant work on our behalf… thank you for your vocation, your dedication and your resilience.”