'Inspiring Social Work' for World Social Work Day

To mark World Social Work Day (15 March 2016), we invited our students to tell us about the people who had inspired them to become social workers. With the assistance of some of our partner employers and people who use services, we chose a couple of our favourite stories to share; we hope they'll inspire you too!

Laura Mynett

The more I listened, the more I wanted to become a Social Worker

Laura Mynett
Student, BA (Hons) Social Work (England)

Having left school at 16 I had drifted quite happily into an interesting work environment and continued in this for 18 years before being made redundant. Up until this point I had no experience of Social Workers and had never thought of it as a career for me. I saw a part-time job in an adoption agency and decided to apply. The only non-Social Worker in my team, my job was to promote adoption and recruit more adopters. I landed on my feet by finding myself in the most welcoming, caring and diligent team. They showed such care and ownership for the children and families they worked with and advocated for them so strongly. The more I listened, the more I wanted to become a Social Worker. Now in the second year of my OU Social Work degree, my team continues to support and encourage my learning. I wouldn’t be where I am without their backing. I owe them a lot and hope one day I can be as good as they are

Adam Davies

There has always been something about working with young people that has given me a sense of determination and passion for the field.

Adam Davies
Student, BA (Hons) Social Work (Wales)

I became inspired to study social work through my own grit and determination. My family were a considerable driving force and have supported me all the way. It's something I have wanted to do since I was 18 years old. Prior to studying for my full social work degree I have worked in social work for 12 years, mainly with young offenders and vulnerable children however I have also sampled working with the elderly and physically impaired, but I always came back to children and young people. There has always been something about working with young people that has given me a sense of determination and passion for the field. Alongside excellent colleagues I have seen young people flourish and achieve amazing things, I know its not a job for everybody (as I get told quite often), however I encourage people to give it a go and help make a difference, to me there's nothing like it!