Date published: February 11, 2025
Shared Lives Plus joins World Social Work Day 2025
Shared Lives Plus will take part in an online event on March 18th to celebrate World Social Work Day. The event will focus on intergenerational support in the community and the role of social work in family-based care.
World Social Work Day is an important occasion when social workers worldwide come together to promote and celebrate the profession. This year’s theme, ‘Strengthening Intergenerational Solidarity for Enduring Wellbeing,’ emphasises the importance of care and respect across generations to build strong societies, sustain the environment, and share wisdom for a better future.
The British Association of Social Workers (BASW), the UK’s independent voice of social work, will host a full month of activities in March to mark World Social Work Month. These events will bring together leading voices in social work alongside experts by experience.
On March 18th, Ewan King, CEO of Shared Lives Plus will lead a discussion with a Shared Lives household, exploring their experiences of care and support from both the carer’s and the supported person’s perspectives. This is a fantastic opportunity to further educate social workers on the Shared Lives model, it’s person-centred approached and the life-changing outcomes. The household includes Beth and Craig, two carers in their 30s, along with Mark, the person they support in his 60s, and their 18-month-old child. Mark spent much of his life in institutions due to undiagnosed learning difficulties but found a home with Beth and Craig in 2021. Over the past four years, he has become part of their family, taking part in everyday life, holidays, and celebrations.
A social worker will also join the discussion to talk about the role of social work in matching and supporting individuals in Shared Lives arrangements. Representatives from Birmingham Children’s Trust will also speak. A panel discussion and Q&A will follow.
The event will take place online from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm on March 18th and is open to both BASW members and non-members. It’s free for members or £4.80 for non-members. For more details, please visit the event page: Intergenerational support in action in the community: exploring family-based care and support provision | BASW England World Social Work Day Event | BASW.
