Giving social workers in Yorkshire & Humber a platform to share their stories is an important part of the Children’s Social Work Matters programme. We believe that hearing from the real people involved on the frontline is the best way to show the true impact social workers have on the lives of thousands of vulnerable children and families.

As part of Social Work Week 2023 social workers across our region are sharing their stories to help address some of the myths by speaking openly and honestly about what being a social worker is really like. Their experiences highlight what makes social work a challenging, but hugely rewarding job, along with the positive effects their help and support is having on families and society as a whole.

Here's what some of our social workers had to say about their choice of career:

While there’s an understanding and recognition of the work we do, I feel there’s also some stigma attached to it. I think it’s important that more people know about the kind of work we do, so that more people can take up the role and help achieve those positive outcomes.

Nasreen Arif, Children's Social Worker at Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council

I think I’d be hard pressed to find anyone who couldn’t help or add something to someone else’s life and children’s social work is the perfect profession to do that.

Ben Egginton, Senior Social Worker at Sheffield Council

Despite having started out in a completely different profession, I made the decision to make the move into children’s social work. I’m so glad I made that change because I’m now doing something I love and wouldn’t consider doing anything else.

Aimee Peel, Advanced Practitioner at Leeds City Council