Social work teams celebrated for making a difference across Tameside

Social work teams across Tameside Council are being celebrated for the life-changing difference they make to children, families and adults across the borough.

Marking the vital role social workers play in supporting communities, Social Work England describes a social worker as someone who “listens and supports people, whilst empowering them to improve their lives. They also protect people from harm when necessary.”

Across Tameside, those words are brought to life every day by dedicated professionals working in both Children’s and Adult Services.

Praise, a Complex Safeguarding Social Worker in Children’s Services, said the most rewarding part of her role is building trust with families during some of their most difficult moments.

“It makes me feel proud to support families when you actually become that trusted person and they let you in, and begin to share things about themselves,” she said.

For Jo, a Social Work Apprentice in Children’s Services, the impact of her work is clear when families reach a point where they no longer need support.

“The child is where they need to be, the family is where they need to be, and we can all make that decision to step out of the child and family’s life,” she said. “That is the most powerful thing for me.”

In Adult Services, Social Work Apprentice Geraldin said empathy and empowerment are at the heart of everything she does.

“It’s empathy, encouragement and empowerment. You’re meeting people for the first time, it’s their story. Give them the time to tell the story,” she said.

Zaid, a Social Worker in Adult Services, added: “I love helping people – I love making a difference.”

For those considering a career in social work, Tameside Council offers a range of development opportunities. Its Social Work Academy supports social workers with the knowledge and skills needed to progress into leadership roles.

Newly Qualified Social Workers in both Adults and Children’s Services can also benefit from the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. The scheme provides structured support, training and experience to help build confidence and professional expertise, alongside benefits such as savings and transport sacrifice schemes and a three-year development and progression plan.

Councillor Teresa Smith, Executive Member for Children and Families at Tameside Council, said: “I’d like to say thank you to all our colleagues who work in social care. I’m proud to be celebrating our passionate social care teams for being the difference by keeping children at the heart of everything they do!

“It’s really important that we highlight the long lasting, positive impact you make on our children and family’s lives.”

Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr John Taylor said: “We're so proud of our social care workforce and the difference they make to people's lives in Tameside.

“Thank you, your dedication shines through, with the support you provide and working together you always put the person at the centre of the decisions they make.

“Ultimately, this means more people are living good lives with the people they love in the place they call home.''

People who have been inspired to be the difference and join Team Tameside can take a look at job opportunities at www.tameside.gov.uk/jobs