COUNCIL bosses have praised the social workers who have dedicated their lives to supporting people across Bradford.

The message came out to mark World Social Work Day - which takes place today.

This year's theme is promoting the importance of human relationships. A key area in which social workers in Bradford support this theme is the work they do to help children and families with behavioural support. This means working with parents where there is a child with a complex health need or with challenging behaviours.

Mark Douglas, Strategic Director of Children’s Services, said: “World Social Work Day is an important way of recognising the fantastic work that our staff do day-in and day-out to support people across the district. They do this in many different ways and it is often work that many people won’t be aware happens. We know that some of our social work is on a journey to improve, but there is so much that teams do that makes a real difference to people’s lives and we need to celebrate that.”

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In one recent case the social work team worked with a family where the mum was experiencing a very stressful time with their child who has behavioural difficulties.

Social work staff supported the parents to help them work better together as a team, particularly around the young person’s bed time.

They also helped them reconnect with their extended family to support babysitting and help with celebrating family events.

Mum reported that her mental health improved and the home environment is much more peaceful. The family are closer and happier and the young person has now got a new hobby: cooking.

Social workers also providing training and support for parents of children with autism. One dad said that he was better able to understand his son’s anxieties. He had learnt to simplify the language that he uses with him and can recognise triggers to his behaviour. The latest addition to this training was a workshop which offered parents solutions to help their children with sleep.

Another social work specialist inclusion project works specifically with a group of young people known as 'The Crew' to support them in building relationships. Workers help young people aged 8-18 with disabilities access short breaks. Activities they deliver include stay and plays, football clubs, drama club, climbing walls.

The Crew also employs a young person that used to access their services. He volunteered over 100 hours and passed the same skills and interview process expected of anyone applying for a post.

The Crew helped develop the North of England’s first residential American style Summer Camp for young people, offering a week away from home for the summer holidays and is planning a similar camp in 2020.

Councillor Adrian Farley, portfolio holder for children and families, said: “There are many people across our district who benefit every day from the work that our social work teams do.

"There are many different ways in which staff support children, young people, families and adults. It’s hugely valuable work which is often done in challenging circumstances with people who are often vulnerable, so World Social Work Day gives us the opportunity to recognise that work and thank those people who carry it out.”