A month aimed at promoting the work of social workers and dispelling the myth of them as “baby snatchers” was launched with the help of Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler yesterday.

Mr. Butler was invited by the Bermuda National Association of Social Workers (BNASW) — which formed just over a year ago — to proclaim March 2007 Professional Social Work Month.

Association president Samantha Branch told those gathered at the headquarters of the Bermuda Public Services Union headquarters in Hamilton yesterday that many people were unaware of what social workers do.

“A lot of people associate social workers with baby snatchers,” she said. “The goal of most social workers is to see that most people enhance their quality of life and that’s what we want to do in the Bermuda National Association of Social Workers.”

Mr. Butler told association members that they played a very valuable part in the community. “I’m just delighted to know that we live in a country that can afford your services,” he said. “The public just probably sees you at your desk but you are doing all kinds of things.”

Sydney Gibbons, executive officer for the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE), presented the association with a cheque for $1,200. “CURE believes in the social economic empowerment of people in Bermuda. It’s with that in mind that we take pleasure in presenting you with this cheque, a token of our support and shared partnership.”

Mrs. Branch said the money would be used by the association for start-up costs but that it was hoped to eventually establish a scholarship for Bermudians wishing to study social work.

Those wanting to enter the profession need to complete both a four-year bachelor’s and two-year master’s degree. Mrs. Branch said: “There are quite a few people interested but sometimes they say they don’t have the funds. We don’t want that to stop them.”

She estimated there were already about 100 social workers on the Island, working in schools, hospitals and Government departments, such as Child and Family Services. The association has 20 members but is looking for more. It meets on the first Thursday of every month at 5.30 p.m. at the BPSU headquarters on Angle Street.

Members will have an information stand at Francis Patton Primary School’s health fair this Saturday (March 3) from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. They will also take part in the Lindo’s to Lindo’s 4km walk on March 11 in aid of Bermuda Diabetes Association.

And on March 31, the association will announce its Social Worker of the Year at an evening event in Hamilton. Anyone interested in attending the evening, joining the association or sponsoring the walk team should call 291-4955.PHOTO: Dr. Sydney Gibbons, Executive Officer of CURE hands a cheque for $1,200 to Samantha Branch, president of Bermuda National Association of Social Workers, while Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler claps.