Care to chat? A podcast from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council

This is a podcast of conversations about social work and social care practice, registration and regulation in Northern Ireland.

Hosted by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council), and presented by broadcaster Dr Wendy Austin, this podcast series showcases conversations and interviews with people in the social work and social care community, as well as from across the health and social care system. We discuss things that matter to social workers and social care workers, inform their learning and development, address common questions, and talk about what we can do to best support the safe delivery of quality health and social care in Northern Ireland.

If you have any comments or feedback on our podcast, please contact us by emailing: comms@niscc.hscni.net.

Listening and subscribing

You can listen to the podcast episodes directly in your browser by selecting the podcast title from the list below and then clicking the triangle ‘Play’ icon. Read more about each episode by clicking the ‘[…]’ icon.

Tune in on Wednesday 21 May 2025 for the launch of the third season of our popular Social Care Council ‘Care to chat’ podcast with Dr Wendy Austin MBE returning as host to help tell stories important to the social work and social care workforce.

Ever feel a bit forgetful? In our first episode of 2025, we delve into the world of dementia care and memory services and involves input from social workers and those with lived experience, all experts in the impact of dementia and how to support people and their families.

This episode features social workers from the Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Jenny Magee, Lead Social Worker for Memory services, Lisa Marley, Memory Clinic Manager, Amy Morgan, Newry and Mourne Memory Service and Roisin Donnelly, who is a carer for her mum who lives with dementia.

Despite the challenges, this episode offers a heartfelt glimpse into the daily efforts of social workers dedicated to making a difference in the lives of those affected by dementia.