DOZENS of social workers were given an insight into how Thurrock Council’s Children’s Social Care Team operates last Friday (10 June) during a free open day at the Civic Offices in Grays.
The annual event is a well-established date in social workers’ calendars with this year’s open day oversubscribed a week before the big day.
Perspective workers heard from social workers, team managers and Head of Service, Andrew Carter.
Speaking after the event, Andrew Carter said: “Thurrock has a very unique story. We are a small, innovative and friendly authority. We provide a wealth of opportunities for social workers to learn, grow and develop; while achieving the best possible outcomes for children, young people and families”.
“We offer an exceptional training programme for passionate social workers looking to build and enhance their careers at all levels within the service.”
In the afternoon, the group boarded an open-top bus and were taken on a tour of the borough.
They visited many different areas, from the villages of Orsett and Horndon-on-the-Hill to the new developments at the Royal Opera House and High House Production Park in Purfleet.
During the bus tour, the group were given information about the types of facilities each area of the borough has including, local schools, community centres, youth clubs and scout groups.
One social worker who attended the event, said: “It has been very interesting to find out what each of the different teams do and how they go about their work.”
They continued: “I have lived in the area for 28 years and I am a foster carer so it has been excellent to get a view of the type of work that goes in to running social care here at the council.”
Late sessions were available for those who couldn’t make it during the day.
Director of Children’s Services and former social worker, Rory Patterson was pleased to see so many people are as keen as he was to join Team Thurrock.
He said: “I started my role here just two weeks ago. It is an exciting time to be joining the team and I look forward to welcoming new members.”
“Looking after, supporting and importantly – safeguarding Thurrock’s children is a very admirable calling.”
He added: “Social work is not easy – it can be tough with long hours, but I can talk from experience, it is extremely rewarding too.”
If you are interested in finding out more about social work opportunities here in Thurrock, visit our website: thurrock.gov.uk/socialwork
