16th March 2026
The Southern Health and Social Care Trust has marked World Social Work Day 2026 with a special podcast reflecting on the real difference social work makes in people’s lives and communities.
Service User representative Hayley Smith shared her experience following major surgery in 2024 and described how the dedication and compassion of her social work team provided stability, encouragement and renewed confidence during a difficult period.
“Those small gestures, taking time to listen, going that extra mile, make a massive difference,” she said.
The Trust’s podcast also explores this year’s global theme, “Co-Building Hope and Harmony – A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society.” The concept of Harambee, a Swahili term meaning “pulling together,” highlights the importance of collective action, partnership and community in building a more hopeful and connected society.
The podcast features Marita Magennis, Assistant Director for Social Work and Social Care Governance, alongside social work professionals and Hayley, as they discuss what hope looks like in practice. The conversation reflects on the role of social workers in supporting individuals through times of crisis, building trusted relationships, and connecting people with the services and community supports that help them move forward.
The discussion also highlights the contribution of social workers working within GP practices and Integrated Care Teams, where multidisciplinary collaboration helps ensure that people’s social, emotional and community needs are addressed alongside their medical care. Social workers play a vital role in helping people access local supports, addressing issues such as isolation and poverty, and strengthening community connections.
A further focus of the podcast is the Trust’s recently re-established Local Engagement Partnership (LEP), which brings together service users and staff to co-design and strengthen social work services. The partnership reflects the spirit of co-building at the heart of this year’s theme, ensuring that lived experience helps shape and improve the support available to people and communities.
The discussion also recognises the important contribution of social work students and emerging professionals, whose fresh perspectives and commitment continue to strengthen the workforce of the future.
Colm McCafferty, Executive Director of Children, Young People and Women’s Services, said:
“World Social Work Day is a global event recognising the vital role social workers play in building stronger, more inclusive communities. This year’s theme reflects the importance of partnership, compassion and collective action, values that are central to our Trust Vision and Strategy 2030. By working together with service users, communities and partners, we can continue to build hope, strengthen relationships and support people to live well.”
Listen here: