In honour of Social Work Week, we're highlighting the personal stories and motivations of our social workers. Through short interviews and written reflections, colleagues shared the experiences, values, and moments that inspired them to join the profession.
Read their experiences below:
Nikki, Associate Director for Social Work
"I became a Social Worker because I believe fiercely in people’s rights—and I’ve never been afraid of a good argument when it means challenging injustice. I’ve always been driven to champion those whose voices aren’t heard and to agitate systems that need to do better. That same energy carried me into leadership, where I can influence culture, strengthen practice, and push for meaningful change. Becoming Associate Director for Social Work allows me to use my voice, passion, and persistence to make a bigger difference."
Glynis, Senior Mental Health Practitioner, CAMHS
"I began training as a social worker in 1982, Qualifying in 1986. I love the fact that we can help people from all walks of life, ages, culture, life experiences. I recognise how difficult life can be and how these impact on the most vulnerable members of our society. I wanted to be a part of improving individual lives and creating happier, safer and healthier outcomes. It’s the best and most challenging job but massively rewarding when your efforts come to fruition. It’s my 40 years anniversary for me in June and I am still as passionate now as when I began. A hugely satisfying job and so privileged to be a social worker."
Emma, Senior Social Worker and Practice Educator Meadows Community Mental Health Team
"I became a Social Worker for many personal reasons, and it wasn’t a straightforward path for me. Social work wasn’t my first degree, largely because I used to worry too much about what others might think. Over time, I realised that my motivation to make a difference mattered far more than any fear of judgement.
I chose social work because I wanted to stand up for people whose voices are often overlooked — to fight for human rights, challenge inequality, and offer strength to those who may not feel able to fight for themselves. I wanted to be the person who shows up, who listens, and who helps create change where it’s needed most.
Working in a mental health team has felt like the right place for me. I value the depth of the work, the relationships built through trust, and the privilege of supporting people through some of their most vulnerable moments. I also love being a Practice Educator. Teaching students — and learning from them in return — has become one of the most rewarding parts of my role. It reminds me that social work is a profession built on shared knowledge, reflection, and growth.
I pride myself on doing what I say I will do. Reliability, accountability, and making people feel genuinely heard are central to how I practise. For me, social work isn’t just a career — it’s where my values, strengths, and purpose come together."
Stuart, Specialist Social Worker CAMHS
"I have considerable experience as a Social Worker in CAMHS Specialist teams including community and more recently inpatient services. During my career, I have been fortunate to build specialist knowledge of mental illness, trauma, neurodevelopmental conditions, safeguarding and relevant legislation including the Mental Health Act 1983 and Children Act 1989. My increasing knowledge has largely come due to the complexity and multidisciplinary nature of the work alongside psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, education staff, occupational therapy and other therapeutic therapists and close links with my local authority colleagues. Also, the opportunities for continuing professional development, not least gaining my Social Work Degree through support from my employee and management experience but the additional specialist training.
Overall CAMHS provides a rich learning environment that supports the development of specialist knowledge, critical thinking, professional curiosity and a strong values-based approach to supporting vulnerable people and families. During my experience a social work perspective is integral and celebrated within CAMHS, ensuring that care remains holistic, rights based, relational and grounded in the wider social context of a young person’s life."
Harriet, Accredited CBT Therapist and Registered Social Worker
"I became a Social Worker in CAMHS because I wanted to further develop my social work practice and build on the skills I gained in frontline child protection work within a local authority. I wanted to develop my therapeutic skills and to support young people, families, and the wider systems around them using a different lens. Working in CAMHS allows me to combine my social work skills with therapeutic approaches, to supporting emotional wellbeing whilst relying on my social work values to challenge myself and the wider service to provide the best level of care possible."
Ramona, Winchester CMHT Service Manager
"I became a social worker because every person deserves to be genuinely seen, heard, and respected. My work is driven by a deep belief in fairness and in creating spaces where equality and equity are not optional aspirations but everyday practice. In my senior NHS role, I witness how social work brings a rare blend of humanity and courage into complex systems, listening deeply, advocating fiercely, and understanding the full story of a person’s life. Social workers uplift voices that are too often overlooked and help people feel empowered, safe, and valued. Being part of this profession is a profound privilege."
Mirja, Mental Health Practitioner
"I became a social worker because fairness and equality have always been core values for me. Even as a teenager, I found myself speaking up when something felt not right and making sure people were treated with dignity. Social work felt like the natural professional path for me to turn that instinct into a meaningful career.
My motivation has always centred on supporting children, young people, and their families during moments when they feel overwhelmed, unheard, or unsure where to turn. I’m someone who listens deeply, truly tries to understand someone’s story and experience, and offers compassionate support which I believe can genuinely change the direction of a difficult time in someone’s life.
After years of working in safeguarding and child protection I moved into a community CAMHS team which has allowed me to continue to work in a way that feels both purposeful and aligned with my values, providing warm, empathetic support and helping individuals to feel seen, understood, and supported."