Our series of short films and photographs tell the stories of social care practitioners, recognising their valuable contribution, highlighting the enabling affect it can have for communities, and the diversity and flexibility of roles and career choices across the various sectors and care settings.
Social care practitioners – Making a difference in people’s lives, every day
Social care practitioners are individuals who help to support, care for, protect and empower people to live as well and as independently as possible. They deliver a range of practical help and emotional support to individuals, families and communities. Working in social care requires staff to be compassionate, kind and skilled in delivering a quality service to the people being supported.
Our registered social care workforce is the largest within the Health and Social Care sector.
Watch our new campaign videos below
Confidence comes from being part of your community
Social care is all about people and relationships. We can see this with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust’s Danielle Lennon, Manager of Mertoun Park short breaks service, and how passionate she is about providing respite care that support people like Matthew and others with intellectual disabilities. Another Belfast Trust social care facility is Beech Hall Day Centre.
Stephanie Codd, its Manager and Deirdre Brush, a Senior Day Care Worker there have been working with people in the local community in West Belfast to improve the lives of people like Ernie. They work in true partnership with him and as says for himself, the Day Centre has made a massive difference to his life.
An amazing opportunity and an amazing role
Morgan Kennedy and Nuala Deans work for Connected Health. As a social care practitioner, Morgan provides support like personal care, help with medication management and nutrition – but that’s only part of how much of a difference she makes to people’s lives. She loves that something as simple as having a chat with one of the people she supports can make a huge different to their day.
Her colleague Nuala is Deputy Manager for a supported living services. She helps people be active in their local community and gain independence within their own homes. For her, social care is enabling people to take ownership and control over their own lives.
Maintaining dignity and maintaining life
Two people who are passionate about a career in social care are Threshold Service’s Thelma Gillespie and Zone Alexander. Thelma is manager of Maple Court, and she believes that getting to know the people she supports is the only way to effectively advocate for them, and that’s how to make improvements to someone’s life.
Zoe is a Service Manager for supported living services. She makes it her mission to engage, connect, to be warm, to be positive as it all have a ripple effect on the whole team and beyond to they support.
Read our new social care stories below
Afonso’s bold career change into social care
“It’s a decision you make when you ask yourself the question, ‘Is this what you want to do for the rest of your life, or do you want to make a change?’
The stories that stay with you – Deirdre’s career in social care
“Social Care Practitioners are some of the most important people we need in our system. Everyone has a part to play.”
Read our previous social care stories
Megha’s journey into social care in Northern Ireland
Megha Acharya’s path from India to social care in Belfast reveals a powerful blend of compassion, curiosity, and community. What began as part-time work during her Master’s in Public Health became a meaningful career, shaped by her experiences at a small, person-centred care provider. Megha’s story highlights how intimate, supportive environments can nurture both personal growth and exceptional care.
Mark Espina’s inspiring 7000-mile journey into social care in Northern Ireland
Mark Espina’s journey from nursing student in the Philippines to dementia care practitioner in Northern Ireland is a powerful story of resilience and compassion. After caring for his ailing parents, Mark discovered a deep calling in social care, eventually finding purpose and belonging at Hutchinson Care Homes. His experience highlights the value of diversity in the sector and the profound impact of empathy-driven care.
From volunteering to finding her calling – how Louise found a life-long career as a social care practitioner
Louise Breen’s journey into social care began with a passion for helping others and evolved into a lifelong commitment to making a difference. As she shares in her video, her role is not just about providing care, but about building trust, advocating for dignity, and empowering those she supports. Louise’s story is a testament to how empathy and dedication can transform lives—both for those receiving care and those delivering it.
Why social care is more than a job, it’s a calling
“It’s all about coming back.”
Support Worker James McCallion bring his own experience to support people with alcohol dependency
“You have to give it away to keep it.”
Belfast-based social care practitioner ensures that ‘everyday moments’ are life-changing for families and children
“Caring has always been in my nature and now it’s my chosen career.”
Feeling inspired? Working together to change people’s lives…
Make a difference and embark on your journey into social care.