09/2010 - The Who Cares? Trust launches new project to celebrate social workers

The Who Cares? Trust is launching Why Should I Care?; a new project which will recognise and celebrate the fantastic work that social workers are doing up and down the country with looked-after children.
 
The Who Cares? Trust believes that there is a need for a confident, committed social work force who really care and will put policies into practice to support young people and challenge poor decision-making. Using real life examples, this project will demonstrate how having a strong relationship with a social worker can make a real difference to the lives of looked-after young people.

The concept behind Why Should I Care? was inspired by one of the Trust’s patrons, television presenter and campaigner David Akinsanya, who often speaks publicly about how his social worker was a positive influence on his life and how their relationship is still ongoing. The project will tell the story of his relationship with his social worker Jenni, and stories of other relationships where young people believe their social worker made a difference.

Using the participant’s own words and photographs by acclaimed photojournalist Tricia de Courcy Ling, Why Should I Care? will explore why relationships are so important in social work and investigate the qualities that make a good social worker. This material will be used in a publication to inspire others, challenge stereotypes and improve the public image of what the Trust believes to be such an important profession.

The Who Cares? Trust is looking for more stories for the project. If you would like to share your story, email mailbox@thewhocarestrust.org.uk.

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For further information on The Who Cares? Trust please contact Jemma Roche, Communications and Marketing Manager, on 0207 017 2788 or email jemma.roche@thewhocarestrust.org.uk

Notes to Editors

1.    The Who Cares? Trust is a UK-wide charity that works to improve the lives of children and young people in care. We do this by:
o    using our expertise and influence with government policy-makers
o    informing, empowering and supporting children and young people in care, through our magazines and other publications and through projects and campaigns which directly benefit them, and
o    producing information and support materials for foster carers and professionals as a means to improving the lives of children in care.

The Who Cares? Trust is a registered charity (No. 1010518). A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in London (No. 2700693). VAT Reg. No. 577853091
Charity web design by Fat Beehive - Main photo by epidemya