It’s World Social Work Day 2021!

Today is World Social Work Day…..a time to recognise and celebrate the vital role that social care workers play in our society!

If you are a social care worker, we thank you. There has never been a more important time to help and provide support to others. If COVID-19 has taught us anything, it’s that a united approach is the best way to overcome hard times.

Key workers, volunteers, health professionals, scientists, educators, businesses, friends and neighbours have all come together in a time of need. From clapping for key workers, shopping for the elderly and making donations to simply continuing to go to work. But today is the day we shine the light on those who continuously put others first throughout their career.

To anyone working in health and social care, you are a hero. Whether you are just starting out, a veteran in the field, or a student upskilling on the University of Bolton’s MA Social Work course, you are appreciated.

What is World Social Work Day 2021?

On the third Tuesday in March, health and social care professionals around the world come together to celebrate their achievements.

It is a time for people in this profession to gain recognition for their contributions to wider society, as well as a time to promote the positive outcomes of what they do. Social work touches the lives of individuals, families, neighbourhoods and entire communities.

Our students get to experience this first hand through work-based practice placements, allowing them to understand the true value of each interaction.

Established in 1983 by The International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW), this event remains an important global celebration today. One that allows students, employers, employees and the general public to reflect.
For anyone who is interested in World Social Work Day 2021, there are many ways to get involved.

Ubuntu: I am because we are

This year’s theme for World Social Work Day is “Ubuntu”, a Zulu philosophy that is all about strengthening solidarity.

It means “I am because we are”, because we all need others to grow and thrive. This is also the theme for the 2020-2030 Global Agenda for Social Work and Social Development, which will impact the international policies for social welfare and transformation.

The philosophy is 2000 years old, and according to the British Association of Social Workers (BASW):

“Ubuntu: ‘I am because we are’ is a concept and philosophy that aligns with the ethics of social work itself. It reinforces the importance of global solidarity and co-operation as a profession and as societies, particularly as we move through unprecedented and challenging times across the UK and across the world.”

How to get involved and champion social work!

There are a number of online events taking place across the month, including some free events that everyone can get join.

The BASW England is hosting the Domestic Abuse Guidance Launch on Thursday 18th March from 12:00pm to 1:15pm.

There’s also the Social Work in a Time of COVID-19: International Lessons for Practice event on Friday 19th March from 12:00pm to 1:15pm.

Plus, don’t miss the Student Essay Competition, with a deadline of Friday 4th June 2021, which is calling for entries from all Undergraduate and Postgraduate students undertaking a social work degree in the UK. The winning prize is one of four £500 grants!

Why self-improvement is important for social care

If you are social care worker, this is a key time to improve your skills. World Social Care Day 2021 highlights the importance of togetherness, making soft skills more vital than ever.

Those working in health and social care are relied upon by the most vulnerable in society, so nurturing growth and self-improvement is something we value greatly at the University of Bolton.

Our master’s programme helps you take your knowledge to the next level, while combining practical skills with theory, preparing you for roles in senior management.

Voted No.1 for Student Satisfaction in Social Work Courses* for the second year running, there’s nowhere better to upskill or retrain. To find out more about our programme (approved by the Health and Care Professions Council), head over to our course page.

Don’t forget to share your support, experiences, achievements and kind words on social media with the hashtag #WSWD2021.