Celebrating our Social Workers
Today (Tuesday 17 March 2026) marks this year's annual World Social Work Day, which aims to recognise the positive contributions of social workers and shine a spotlight on the challenges our communities continue to face.
In keeping with the theme of celebration, on Thursday 26 February 2026, colleagues from across Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH) and Manchester City Council gathered to honour the achievements and dedication of our Manchester social workers.
The morning brought together newly qualified social workers, newly qualified practice educators, newly qualified approved mental health professionals (AMHPs), newly qualified best interest assessors (BIAs), senior leaders and supervisors, all united in recognising the vital role social workers play across our services.
Addressing our Manchester social work workforce at the beginning of the celebration, Thomas Walker, Professional Lead for Social Care, said:
"You bring hope, strength and support to those who need it most. The future of social care in Manchester is brighter because of your commitment and passion."
The awards ceremony celebrated colleagues who have progressed in their professional development throughout 2025, with many colleagues sharing afterwards that they left the event feeling valued, inspired and uplifted.
Following the event Vikki May, Senior Mental Health Practitioner (who received certificates for gaining the Practice Educator Stage 2 qualification and being nominated for the Special Recognition Award), reflected:
"Since starting as a Social Worker in 2004, I have never been to an award ceremony for social workers in the NHS in all that time. This event left me feeling incredibly inspired and proud to be a social worker."
Reflecting on the event, Bernadette Enright, Executive Director of Adult Social Services at Manchester City Council, shared:
“It was a wonderful celebration of the important and valued role social workers play, supporting the people we serve across Manchester to have the best possible outcomes in their lives.
"The hard work, dedication and commitment to continuous learning and development shone throughout the morning and the nominations were truly inspiring, reminding us of the difference social workers make each and every day, working with some of the most vulnerable people in the city.”
Caroline McCann, Head of Operations at GMMH, said:
"It was so good to have an opportunity to pause and acknowledge the value of social work. The event demonstrated all the unseen work, the mentorship and the study commitment that often goes unrecognised."
Kirsten Bingham, Strategic Lead for Mental Health at Manchester City Council, reflected:
“It was fabulous and uplifting. We must continue recognising the contribution of social work within the NHS going forward.”
Thank you to every social worker, mentor, supervisor, student and leader across our Trust and beyond. Your work changes lives every single day and we will continue to celebrate your ongoing dedication and impact to those you support.
