Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is proudly celebrating the incredible contribution of our Adult and Children’s Services teams during Social Work Week (March 16 to 20) and on World Social Work Day (March 17).
This year’s theme, Co-Building Hope and Harmony: A Harambee Call to Unite a Divided Society, highlights the vital role of social workers in bringing communities together, strengthening relationships, and building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Social work is far more than a profession – it is a commitment to transforming lives and providing a lifeline for many of the most vulnerable in our society. This year’s theme invokes ‘Harambee,’ literally meaning ‘pulling together’ or ‘all for one,’ reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the social work profession.
Joachim Mumba, IFSW President, stated: “Social workers are present in every corner of society, standing alongside communities as they navigate adversity. We walk with people as they rebuild bonds, restore trust and strengthen resilience. The call to co-build hope and harmony reminds us that no challenge is too great when we move forward together.
“This is the spirit of the People’s Charter for an Eco-Social World: an invitation to connect humanity through shared values, shared responsibility and shared hope. It urges us to work collectively for a world where dignity, participation, sustainability and peace form the foundation of our common future.”
Throughout the week, the Council will spotlight the hard work, dedication, and compassion of our social work and social care teams, recognising the dedication and positive impact of our staff.
Additionally, the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) are hosting a number of online events. The following events are open to both social work staff and members of the public:
Councillor Sharon Rees, Cabinet Member for Social Care with Responsibility for Children’s Services, said: “We would like to take this opportunity, during World Social Work Week and on World Social Work Day to thank and celebrate each and every one of our social workers, care staff and support staff who do their very best for the youngest residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf.
“It is important residents – especially parents and carers – are aware of the sheer range of support that is on offer, at all stage of life.
“From supporting pregnant mothers to keep families together, to standing with teenagers as they make their first steps into the world of employment and training, we are here to help, which is why we are so pleased to be able to celebrate and showcase Social Work not only during this important week, but every day of the year!”
A 2025 survey undertaken by Social Care Wales, which received 5,707 responses, revealed that while the sector is continuing to face challenges, positive cultural indicators remain strong:
- 86% agree that they receive the right training to do their job well.
- 83% said that their morale was good.
- 81% said they felt helped and supported by their colleagues.
- 81% said they felt valued by the people they support.
Councillor, Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Social Care with Responsibility for Adult Services, said: “I think the IFSW President said it the best when he said social workers stand shoulder to shoulder with all corners of society.
“We are proud of the staff we have and in awe of the contribution they make to lives every single day of the year.
“We know there are residents – and their families and carers – whose lives have been touched and improved by the professionalism and compassion of our social workers and we are proud of that.
“World Social Work Week and World Social Work Day is a chance for us to thank and celebrate our staff and also promote to residents what is on offer. It’s also a good chance to showcase social work as a profession and inspire our next generation of incredible social workers to help keep humanity connected.”
The World Social Work Day initiative is led by the International Federation of Social Workers (IFSW) and started in 2007. It is a celebration that aims to highlight the achievements of social work, to raise the visibility of social services for the future of societies, and to defend social justice and human rights.
To find out more about World Social Work Day, please visit their website: World Social Work Day 2026 – International Federation of Social Workers
Social Care Wales are committed to making a positive difference to social care in Wales by building confidence in the workforce and leading and supporting improvement in social care. To do this, they work with people who use care and support and a broad range of organisations.
For more information, please visit their website: Social Work Week 2026 | Social Care Wales
BASW, or the British Association of Social Workers, is the UK’s largest professional membership organisation for social work. Their vision is for social work to be a thriving, influential, respected profession, that improvise lives and upholds people’s rights.
Further details can be found on their website:
World Social Work Month 2026 | BASW
Posted on 15/03/2026