Hampshire County Council is celebrating Social Work Week (16 to 20 March) by sharing real stories from social workers who support children, families and adults across the county.

Their reflections highlight the transformational and innovative way that Hampshire  teams work, to be ahead of the changes in the sector for both adults’ and children’s  social work. They show the care, skill and kindness at the heart of the profession, the day-to-day challenges they help people overcome, and the meaningful moments that make the role so rewarding:

Nick manages a team supporting children and families and has been recognised in the Amazing Social Workers 2026 campaign, held by the British Association of Social Workers. He reflects on how he has developed professionally and the difference early support can make: “Our work makes a real difference by ensuring families receive support at the right time, improving outcomes for children. Hampshire has supported me to develop my skills – from being a frontline practitioner delivering meaningful interventions, to now leading a large team of social workers and students.”

Dave helps to lead complex safeguarding work with adults, including radicalisation concerns and high-risk domestic abuse cases. He describes the creativity and professional judgement that social work allows – finding person-centred solutions while working in partnership with other agencies.

Nicki supports young people preparing for adulthood, helping them build confidence, independence and hope. She tells us how rewarding it is to walk alongside people during difficult moments, making sure their voices are heard and helping them move forward. A former social worker apprentice, Nicki has also grown her career with us, progressing to senior social worker, and is now completing her Practice Educator training.

These voices sit alongside stories from colleagues supporting adults at risk, young people preparing for adulthood, and residents experiencing crisis. Their accounts show how social workers help people feel safer, more confident, and more hopeful about the future.

Councillor Zoe Huggins, Lead Member for Adult Services and Public Health, said: “Social care is evolving and our teams continue to adapt with professionalism, compassion and innovation. The stories shared through Social Work Week highlight just how much social workers do to support individuals and families during difficult times.

“As we look to the future, we are also exploring how technology can strengthen the way we work. Artificial Intelligence has the potential to reduce paperwork and care technology solutions can be used to directly support individuals, whether by helping them stay safe at home, promoting independence, or increasing connectivity with friends and family. Used well, thee tools give our social workers more time to focus on supporting those people who need us most.”

The County Council’s Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Roz Chadd, added: “Our social workers make a positive impact every day, and Social Work Week is an important moment to recognise that. The reflections from our staff show the compassion, skill and determination at the heart of social work. I hope these stories encourage more people to consider joining this rewarding profession.”

Residents can read the full case studies and learn more about social work in Hampshire by visiting: www.hants.gov.uk/jobs/social-worker.

Anyone thinking about becoming a social worker – whether experienced, newly qualified or exploring a career change – can also find details about roles, support and development on the Council’s website.