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Shwmae, Sarah ydw i.
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Hello, I'm Sarah, Chief Executive
at Social Care Wales.
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It's Social Work Week 2025.
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And I want to extend my gratitude
to social workers who are keeping people
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safe, supporting and empowering adults
and children in all of our communities.
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There's over 6,000 social workers in Wales,
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and I want to thank you
for everything that you do.
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We know from our surveys that most
social workers come into the profession
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because they want to make a difference
to people's lives.
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We also hear from individuals
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using care and support the difference
that social workers have made.
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However, social workers' well-being is lower
than the general population
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and only 35 per cent of social workers
feel valued by the public.
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Yet, we know the public do value
social workers much more highly than this.
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This is why it's important we all
celebrate the work that social workers do.
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Social workers are often in a role
you can't see.
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They're working with individuals
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and families, often in their own homes
and supporting older adults,
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individuals of working age
with complex needs, adults or children
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with mental health conditions,
or with vulnerable children and families.
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I know from my personal experience
when my grandmother
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lived with a mental health condition
that social workers can help us
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to navigate some of the most significant
challenges in our lives,
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and to do so
in a way that helps us focus on strengths
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and what matters to individuals
and their families.
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This year's Social Work Week is focused
on supporting strengthening
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professional relationships,
maintaining social work identity
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and supporting well-being.
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In Social Care Wales, we are hosting with partners
a range of virtual events.
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Please do come and join us
to learn and celebrate.
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And for social workers
watching this video, diolch.
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Thank you.
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Diolch am wrando.
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Thank you for listening.