It is World Social Work Day tomorrow and time to join the Central Australia Health Service in recognising the work done by social workers in our community.

“They confront some of the most challenging issues facing individuals, families, communities and forge solutions to help people reach their full potential,” said Ms Larissa Ellis, the Director of Allied Health and Aged Care at the Alice Springs Hospital.

“The complexity of social factors in Central Australia can be overwhelming for many people. 

“Social workers are often the last to become involved when people are distressed and in crisis,” she said.

In this context the challenge for social workers is to remain positive and responsive, and to maintain a high level of professionalism.

“At the centre of this is a deep sense of respect for the client, compassion and advocacy for their rights and dignity,” Ms Ellis said.

“We recognise that people often have their own solutions to the difficult issues they face, and thus our role is about assisting them to work through options, rather than imposing solutions and decisions on their behalf.”

There are eight social workers based at the Alice Springs Hospital, one of whom is located at the Renal Dialysis Unit at Flynn Drive, and one care social worker in the Palliative Care Unit.

Social workers have an extensive range of skills to offer, including psychosocial assessment, counselling and advocacy.

World Social Work Day is part of National Social Work Month and theme is Promoting the Dignity and Work of Peoples.

“We celebrate the contributions of social workers during National Social Work Month in March,” Ms Ellis said.

The Central Australia Health Service is governed by a Statutory Board and is responsible for the Alice Springs and Tennant Creek Hospitals.  It has a primary role in health service delivery in the region, including primary health care, mental health, oral health, cancer screening services and alcohol and other drug services.

Media Contact: Gail Liston 8951 5111 or 0476 839 383