Publish date: 25 March 2026
Mersey Care marked Social Work Week (16 to 20 March) with a dedicated conference, bringing together colleagues from across the Trust and national partners to celebrate and strengthen the professional identity of social workers in the NHS.
The conference opened with Denise Monks (British Association of Social Workers), who highlighted the vital role of NHS social workers and the need for stronger access to training and CPD. Other speakers shared powerful insights into the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in social work, encouraging inclusive, trauma‑informed practice and reinforcing the importance of research as well as the concept of moral injury and the need for reflective supervision and organisational support.
A particularly moving part of the day came from our experts by experience, Ivie and Sumaila, asylum seekers supported through Café Laziz, who spoke about displacement, resilience, and the importance of community-led, trauma‑informed support.
Colleagues from across Mersey Care showcased the breadth of social work roles within the Trust, including the Mental Health Discharge Team, Social Work with Children and Young People, and Forensic Learning Disability Services. The event ended with group discussions focused on strengthening visibility, confidence, and professional identity across our services.
Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed. Your expertise and compassion make a profound difference every day.
