At Oxford Health, we have 150 social workers embedded in our services, mainly in mental health provision, who make a real difference to the lives of our service users and their families each and every day.

World Social Work Day is an opportunity to recognise the contribution they make and value the work they do as well as the multitude of skills and knowledge they have.

Mary Buckman, Associate Director of Social Care said: “On World Social Work day, and every day, I’m proud to work with so many skilled and committed social workers who make such a significant contribution to the work of Oxford Health.

“They make a massive difference to the lives of so many people who use our services and their families. There are so many professions who make the Trust the organisation it is, and social work is at the heart of that.”

The theme for World Social Work Day this year is Ubuntu: I am because we are. Ubuntu means “humanity” and this statement is a concept and philosophy that aligns with the ethics of social work itself.

Debbie Richards, Executive Managing Director of Mental Health & Learning Disabilities, started off her NHS career as a social worker. She recalled: “I wanted to be the best social worker I could, to help people and communities and improve the quality of services.

“That’s why I am proud to work alongside so many excellent social workers across the Trust.

“They work with some of the most vulnerable people in our society and manage some of the most challenging and complex risks from homelessness to substance misuse.

“They also work closely with other practitioners and outside agencies to ensure they provide the right support to the individuals and patients they are working with. They truly make a difference every day.”

If you are interested in social work or in joining the Oxford Health family, there are a range of rich and rewarding roles available. Please visit the careers section on our website to see the latest opportunities.