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I've always wanted to become
a social worker for as long as I remember.
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I've been lucky enough to gain
a multitude of roles supporting people
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within the community.
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This has allowed me
to see the incredible work
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that social workers
do within our community,
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and just how much the local community
heavily relies on the support
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and services provided by social services
and social workers.
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Being 30 and going back to university
came with its own anxieties. Very worried
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as I hadn't set foot in a classroom
for the best part of 10 years.
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However, that was quickly put to rest
when I realised what a great
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course this is.
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We've had so many guest speakers
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come and talk to us
with their own experiences,
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and knowledge, as well as the experience and
knowledge from our own lecturers and tutors.
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This is probably one of the best decisions
I've done, is take up this course.
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And this is the beginning of my journey
as a social worker
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and I'm really,
really looking forward to it.
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So if anyone is thinking of becoming
a qualified social worker,
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the smile on my face should
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be enough to tell you that this has been
one of the best decisions that I've done.
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I've really enjoyed the course.
I've had lots of good experiences
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on my placements
and I felt really supported
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and I am really looking forward
to starting my career as a social worker.
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I'm passionate about person-centred practice
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and keeping the individual
in the centre of their care and support.
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I feel social work is important
to empower people
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and standing up against social injustice.
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I love the variety
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social work has to offer,
and I'm always learning.
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There are some challenges, such
as the cost of living crisis
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at the moment,
along with the lack of services available,
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especially with care agencies
and finding care.
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And another challenge at the moment,
I would say,
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is increased pressure
on limited resources.
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But as a social worker,
I'm able to work creatively
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to reduce some of the challenges,
which will help
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people to achieve what matters to them.