Where to find support as a social worker

Being a social worker is centred around providing support for others, but where is the support for you? We know that this line of work can put a strain on your mental health, so we’ve put together a list of useful resources to revisit on a rainy day. 

 

Mind 

Mind is home to a wealth of useful resources, including helplines, legal advice and wellness at work action plans. 

Samaritans 

You can call 116 123 for free or email in if you’re going through a hard time or just need someone to talk to confidentially. 

Podcasts

Listening to podcasts is a great way to wind down after a stressful day. Whether you fancy a chuckle or are in need of some guided meditation – there’s a podcast for everything! Here’s a few suggestions to get you started: 

Friends and family

Confiding in friends and family can be one of the most effective ways to relieve stress and get anything that has been bothering you off your chest. Set aside time to meet them regularly, even if it’s just a quick walk or cup of tea. 

Colleagues and managers 

If you’re struggling with something at work, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your supervisor is there to help you grow and develop professionally and can only help you if they know what’s going on! If you’re lucky enough to have a supportive group of friends at work then it might also be useful to talk to them (as long as you’re not breaching client confidentiality, of course). After all, your colleagues know better than anyone how stressful being a social worker can be.

Connect with the wider social worker community on social media 

Connect with other social workers online via Facebook by finding support groups for social workers (there’s so many out there!) and share your stories, memes, struggles, queries etc. Youtube is another wonderful platform for support videos and self-care strategies

 

These are just a few suggestions to have in your back pocket, but remember there is a whole world of support out there for social workers – don’t be afraid to use it!

We are, of course, part of that support network and are happy to help wherever we can. Check out our careers advice page for further resources, including free interview advice.

carlette Isaac

Leave a Reply

Required fields are marked *