On behalf of the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, I want to wish our social workers, social work leaders, and social work students, a happy World Social Work Day. I also want to thank you for all you do and recognise your contribution to caring, supporting and enabling our service users, carers and communities.
As a profession we recognise that the society in which we work has many challenges, and every day you work hard to address those issues that impact the lives of often the most vulnerable, excluded and disempowered in society. Whether that is in health and social care, justice, education, community and voluntary sector or any setting where social workers practice or influence. The need is great but your professional commitment is strong, determined and making a difference.
Annually, World Social Work Day reminds us that we are not just part of a profession here in Northern Ireland, but part of a global movement of social workers, promoting the individuality and dignity of citizens across the world.
This year’s theme for World Social Work day is Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to unite a Divided Society. Across the globe social workers are working in some of the most challenging and contested spaces, where war, fear, oppression and intolerance are lived realities. Today, we stand in solidarity with all social workers, wherever they practice, grateful that they continue to bring hope in even the most difficult and darkest circumstances.
So, on this World Social Work Day, be proud of the job you do, be proud of the profession you belong to and celebrate the difference you make.
Thank you
Happy World Social Work Day!
Tracy Reid
Chief Executive
Northern Ireland Social Care Council
Notes to Editor
- Join in the conversation by:
- Supporting as our March ‘Thank you’ campaign by sharing resources and messaging from our Campaign Resource Centre, and joining us on social media, using campaign hashtags below:
#WSWD2026
#ThankASocialWorker
#HoldingSpace
#SocialWorkThankyou
#CelebrateSocialWork
#MakingADifference
#Yes2SocialWork
- Attending the ‘Holding space: Inside social work’ exhibition. It has now moved from North West Regional College this week to the South West College in Dungannon (18 March – 26 March) and will be at Belfast Metropolitan College’s Titanic campus (13 April – 24 April).
- The Social Care Council is the regulator for all social workers and social care practitioners in Northern Ireland. It is a public body established by the Department of Health to support high quality standards of social work and social care.
- Media interviews will be facilitated upon request depending on availability. Please contact: rita.mccullagh@niscc.hscni.net / 07591 447804.