People with physical or psychological problems often need help with their everyday lives but still wish to be as free and self-governing as possible. Care workers can provide this practical support on a daily basis without stifling the person, and as the industry advances we are seeing very encouraging improvements from both the giver and receiver of social services such as care.



The support provided by care workers is centred around the particular person they are aiding. Recently there is more emphasis on building a trusting relationship between carer and caree, helping people to live successfully in their local communities and rely less on outside aid. Developments over the last decade have meant returning power to the individual so now clients can have control over their specific care package which they can differ from day to day or week to week. The role of the care worker is changing so that the client relies less on the carer and learns to support him or herself as much as possible. This empowerment encourages people in care to be as autonomous as they can and gives them the confidence they need to do so. Social workers are striving to support the independence of the character they are looking after rather than smothering them with unnecessary attention.

Of course there are many types of social work, different issues require different forms of care and we can in no way generalise. If we take a brief look at young people with learning difficulties we know they benefit highly from outdoor activities such as swimming, football or an educational visit to a museum. However the English weather is not always permitting of external excursions and therefore internal pursuits must also ensue. The range and quality of these activities is only limited by the carer's imagination. Creative activities such as arts and crafts are frequently popular with the children and young adults as they are hands on, visual and interactive. Specifically for young people requiring care they can advantage greatly from working with others with similar issues, and this mingling is crucial to develop their interpersonal skills for later life.

In the bigger picture there has been a massive improvement in communication between social care institutions and local authorities. The Police, NHS, and schools are all beginning to liaise with PCT's, homes and hospices on a regular basis, building up a stronger system of social welfare in the given area. Improving the knowledge of the entire public, especially the young on the issues of social services such as care work is just one example of the excellent grassroots initiatives springing up all around the country. We must continue on the promising road we are currently paving and increasingly empower the people we care about.