‘Brilliant’ first social work conference held
THE island’s first social work conference has been described as ‘brilliant’.
Attracting 85 delegates, the conference took place at Les Cotils on World Social Work Day.
People involved in every aspect of social work, including individuals who had received social care, presented their experiences.
Keynote speaker and social worker of 28 years Siobhan Maclean travelled from England to speak.
‘Firstly, I think it is really great that this conference has gone on today and the fact that Guernsey has been the first in the Channel Islands to celebrate in line with World Social Work Day is progressive for the island,’ said Ms Maclean.
‘It is very important for our professional identity, therefore our profession as a whole, to distinguish ourselves.
‘Social work can often be eaten up amongst the health or care profession when in fact while we are part of that we are separate in our approach and methods.’
She added: ‘The fact that you have adult and children’s services, mental health, family advisory service, youth development, probation and users of the system, amongst others, only goes to show that this is a shared vision. A vision we are confident can continue in Guernsey.’
Disability rights campaigner Anthony Lewis also presented at the event.
‘It is brilliant. I am very pleased this conference has taken place.
‘We are identifying progress that promotes equality and inclusivity to all those involved in the social work profession,’ he said.
Organiser Jules Shaw, a senior social work lecturer at the Institute of Health and Social Care Studies, said: ‘It is excellent to be able to celebrate the profession of social work within the wider framework of World Social Work Day.
‘We have some 85 delegates in attendance, with 83 of those local to the island and a further two from Jersey, and keynote speakers from the UK.’
