Insights

For many young people who have moved into semi or independent living for the first time, the festive season can be particularly difficult.

Mental health social workers play a critical role in the healthcare system, providing support, advocacy, and treatment to individuals facing mental health challenges. As the demand for mental health services continues to grow in the UK, social workers have become essential in helping individuals manage mental health conditions, navigate resources, and access care. 

On Mental Health Day, it’s essential to focus on an often overlooked aspect of the social care sector: the mental health of the professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others. Social care professionals work tirelessly to support individuals through challenging and often traumatic circumstances, but in doing so, they frequently face their own emotional and psychological hurdles.

At Pertemps Social Care, we recognise that adult social workers are dedicated to enhancing the well-being, independence, and quality of life for the individuals they support.

St Helens is one of the most deprived local authorities in England. There are challenges, but the past few years have seen a number of significant wins – certainly more than just green shoots of progress.

Nestled in the north west of England is St Helens, a vibrant and welcoming community that prides itself on providing exemplary care for its children and young people. With Ofsted rating its Children’s Services as GOOD and services for young people leaving care as OUTSTANDING, St Helens is a beacon of excellence in social care.

Drug and alcohol dependency can cast a shadow over an individual’s life, affecting their health, relationships, and overall well-being. These issues require compassionate and strategic intervention from social workers to help individuals navigate towards recovery and stability.

The recent data published by Community Care surely did not surprise anyone. Over the past few years, social workers have been voting with their feet, and the result is a significant rise in the number of social workers being employed as locums across English councils.

The ongoing cost of living crisis and housing shortage in England has contributed to a significant increase in homelessness. Recent data from the charity Shelter paints a stark picture, revealing that over 300,000 individuals are currently without a home, nearly half of whom are children.

I’m speaking to social workers all over the country who are considering their next move, and how to capitalise on their experience and take their career to the next level.