Social Care’s Positive Impact: Stories from the HeartSocial Care’s Positive Impact: Stories from the Heart Today, the ‘Social Care – Making a Difference’ campaign was launched at Stormont, highlighting the profound impact that social care can have on individuals and communities. At the launch, social workers and care professionals shared their inspiring stories, demonstrating the rewarding and fulfilling nature of working in the field. One of these individuals, Melvin Gould, a former delivery driver who transitioned to social work at the age of 55, spoke about the immense satisfaction he derives from making a tangible difference in people’s lives. “I know my job gives me the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, where no two days are the same,” Gould said. “I came into social care later in life, but I wish I had made that change sooner.” The campaign aims to dispel misconceptions about social care and showcase the diverse and rewarding career opportunities it offers. Minister of Health Mike Nesbitt praised the dedication and compassion of social care workers, emphasizing the importance of considering it as a fulfilling and diverse profession. “My department and I are committed to supporting our social care workers and promoting social care as a career choice,” Nesbitt said. Patricia Higgins, CEO of the Social Care Council, highlighted the need for caring and dedicated individuals who can make a meaningful contribution to their communities. “There are fantastic opportunities in social care for caring, compassionate and dedicated people looking for a career where they can make a real difference to their local community,” Higgins said. Agnes Lunny, CEO of Positive Futures, emphasized the strong relationships between social care providers and those they support. “Social care services can only provide high-quality support to communities because they have dedicated, compassionate staff who make a difference every day,” Lunny said. Individuals interested in exploring a career in social care are encouraged to visit the campaign page for inspiring stories and videos. The campaign is a collaborative effort led by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health partnership within the social care sector in Northern Ireland.
The positive impact that social care can have was recognised today at the launch of the ‘Social Care – Making a Difference’ campaign at Stormont.
At the launch, attendees heard about the many benefits that a career in social care can bring, with Melvin Gould, one of 40,000 social care professionals in Northern Ireland, sharing his inspiring journey.
Melvin, a former delivery driver, became a social worker at the age of 55. He, like other social workers, knows that he is making a positive impact on people’s lives every day he goes to work.
Melvin Gould, a social worker at Harmony Community Care Services, shared his story as part of the campaign and wants others to consider a career in social care:
“I know people go to work and sometimes they don’t want to go to work. I just couldn’t. I can honestly say that’s not the case for me. I know my job gives me the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, where no two days are the same. I came into social care later in life, but I I wish I had made that change sooner. If you are a good listener, a kind person and want to help other people live better lives – join social care like I did – you won’t regret it.”
The campaign invites people who are considering a career in care to learn more through stories from social care professionals who do this work, telling them what it is like, why they do it and showing the flexible, varied and diverse opportunities available.
At the event, Health Minister Mike Nesbitt thanked social care workers and those who shared their stories of the difference they make to their communities, and thanked them for the importance of people seeing a career in social care as one that is diverse, flexible and rewarding.
Speaking at today’s launch, Minister Nesbitt said:
“Social care is really important and valued. It is essential that the right care is available to adults and young people and that they are supported to live independently for as long as possible.
“My department and I are committed to supporting our social care workers and promoting social care as a career choice.
“I want to thank all of our social care workers for their dedication, compassion and the valuable work they do in our communities every day.”
Patricia Higgins, CEO of the Social Care Council, added:
“There are fantastic opportunities in social care for caring, compassionate and dedicated people looking for a career where they can make a real difference to their local community.
“Importantly, our campaign not only highlights the diverse and exciting opportunities available in the social care sector to progress their careers, but also celebrates the brilliant professionals in social care, some of whom feature in our new campaign stories – this campaign is also aimed at social care workers – to let them know we value them.”
Agnes Lunny, CEO of Positive Futures, who helped develop the campaign this year, added:
“Social care services can only provide high-quality support to communities because they have dedicated, compassionate staff who make a difference every day. Our ‘Social care – making a difference’ campaign highlights a key part of why we do what we do as care providers: the warm and mutually beneficial relationships we have with the people we support. It shares the real stories of staff and the people they support, and shows the diversity, value and impact they have.
“There are many roles available, with options to suit different lifestyles, skills and experience. There are no specific qualifications required for an entry-level role in social care – training is provided on the job. For those who want to progress in their careers, there are a range of qualification and training opportunities. Whatever the role, working in social care can make a real difference to people’s lives. My advice to anyone considering a career in care is – get in touch with your nearest social care provider and find out more.”
This campaign is being delivered by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) on behalf of the Social Care Collaborative Forum, a Department of Health partnership within the social care sector in Northern Ireland. The Forum has been established to lead a programme of work to improve community social care services.
Make a difference in lives with a career in social care… Want to know more?
Visit our campaign page to view our campaign videos and more inspiring stories.
Social care stories
