March marks Social Work Month and social workers Island-wide are re-evaluating the role they play in the community.

This year's theme is "Responding to the Needs of the Community -- Giving Some Time to Someone who Needs It'' which follows in the wake of a move made by a number of community organisations and churches to adopt a more proactive stance with respect to the issues threatening the community.

Social work as a profession covers many different areas of practice and is not, as is often assumed, confined to removing children from their homes.

Social Work Council president Lyndon Jackson said while social workers share fundamental values and ethics, their tasks differ.

In addition to Family Services, where social workers carry out their responsibilities, mainly under the Protection of Children Act, to both children and families, social workers are also present in the criminal justice system as probation officers, where they carry out a clear mandate to the courts.

Less well-known areas where they work include the Department of Financial Assistance and the Housing Department. There is a social work department at King Edward Memorial VII Hospital and at Westgate Correctional Facility, the latter providing assistance to inmates with respect to their welfare needs and helping to ensure that links with family members and significant others are maintained.

There are also social workers within the school setting, as counsellors providing advice and support for students.

"The theme that the council will be following this month comes about because there is a consensus that there is a need to adopt a more proactive stance with respect to the issues of the day, particularly those that include substance abuse, violence, crime and the experiences of both young and old people who feel somewhat disenfranchised,'' Mr. Jackson said. "The key thrust of this theme is that everyone needs to take some responsibility for these challenges, however small their part may be, if these problems are to be addressed.'' Mr. Jackson added the Bermuda Social Work Council will devote much of its time, both during this month and throughout the year, encouraging, in whatever way possible, members of the public to commit some of their time to their own community.

"The Council will also look at what it, as an organisation, can do in this regard. For those in the community, it may mean offering support to organisations such as Big Brothers and Sisters, taking some time out to mentor a young person who may be struggling with their school work, or giving time to a family which is in need of support.

"Other ways of contributing may be to become involved in youth groups in your area, whether it is related to sports or otherwise. The important thing is that some time or consideration is given to support others who may be, for whatever reason, struggling to cope with life's demands.'' Mr. Jackson also said in embracing this particular theme, the council is reiterating one of the aims in its constitution which revolves around work that can be carried out by its membership in the community.

One of the committees that has been established by the Council with this in mind is the Social Action Committee whose responsibility will be to focus on and establish strategies for responding to topical issues.

This may be in the form of forums, workshops, responses by the Council on such issues via the media, and the collection of statistics which highlight and illustrate the various issues that exist.

"The Council will also encourage its own membership to re-evaluate the various roles that they play in the community and reflect on what they are doing,'' Mr. Jackson added.

"This month promises to be an active month with the traditional opportunities to raise to profile of the social work profession through the media and various parent/teacher meetings and school presentations.

"We have also planned a lecture by Dr. Eva Hodgson to take place on March 12 at 7 p.m. at the Bermuda College. She will address the role of affirmative action in the reconciliation of our racially divided community. This will be open to those within the profession,'' Mr. Jackson said.

Tickets are limited and can be obtained by contacting Lyndon Jackson at 292-5005. The month will be concluded with the annual Social Work Banquet on March 29 at the Harmony Club Hotel.

Tickets for this event, which is open to the public, can be obtained by contacting Lisa Cann at Child and Family Services at 236-0224.

RESPONDING TO COMMUNITY NEEDS -- As part of Social Work Month, the Social Work Council will encourage the public to commit some of their time to their own community. Pictured from left are president of the Social Work Council Lyndon Jackson, secretary Renee Brown, treasurer Lisa Cann, and vice president Nelson Bascome MP.

Graphic file name: SOCWOR