Margate based non-profit organisation, Give a Child a Family recently hosted their quarterly social workers forum for members of the South Coast social welfare organisations and government institutions.
The purpose was to encourage team building activities and to promote mental health among social workers who deal with challenging situations on a daily basis. Give a Child a Family is a child protection organisation that is promoting the rights and wellbeing of children for more than 30 years.
Social Worker at Give a Child a Family, Anna-Karin Ohrnstedt said: “Social workers are professionals under much pressure and need time to wind down to gain strength to carry on their work. As much as we take care of others, we need to take care of ourselves and let others take care of us.”
She said more than 25 social workers were part of the workshop to seek knowledge about mental health, trauma counselling and handling anxiety. “Being a social worker is a demanding occupation that requires activities of unwinding. This workshop assists the social workers to share their different challenges, build relationships, boost confidence and professionalism levels,” said Ohrnstedt.
Ohrnstedt added that the workshop was a successful mind-opening event that reminded social workers about the importance of taking care of themselves. “We are encouraged by the support shown towards our social workers forum and we hope that it has a positive impact in the life of care givers,” said Ohrnstedt.
