In this blog that marks the start of Social Work Week, Hannah, one of BASW’s Amazing Social Workers in 2026, talks about her role as a social worker for Hull City Council.
When I qualified at University of Hull in 2008, I was young, fresh and ready to change the world! My first role as a qualified social worker was with the council, working in what was then North Carr locality. I then worked at North and West locality. It gave me the opportunity to see different ways of working in different teams and experience a fast-paced environment. I experienced lots of changes and different ways of working in localities, which meant I learned systemic practice. I met some incredible children and families, and worked with some amazing colleagues and managers along the way.
Following a few years at NSPCC, I came back to Hull City Council in 2021 and started working in the Children’s Disability Team. I went through a massive learning curve, finding out about medical interventions, adaptations and occupational therapy support. I began working with more professionals, particularly from specialist medical and health services.
Working with a child is like a jigsaw. The pieces of information you gather from other professionals and family members are like small pieces of the jigsaw which build up a picture of a child’s life, and at the centre is the child. My role is to try and make that jigsaw complete and support it. When I think of my job like this it puts tasks like paperwork and setting up meetings into perspective.
My favourite part of the job is visiting the children I work with. No visit or day is the same. Things can change unexpectedly. I have visits where I have to role play, communicate in different ways and where I observe the child in their home environment, as they may be nonverbal. This job has taught me how satisfying it is to have a child simply sitting next to me on their settee because they have learned to feel comfortable around me. If I could be with my families all day, every day and not at my computer, I would be – but I think most social workers would agree with that.
By working for the Children’s Disability team, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the fact that parents and families know their children best. They are the experts, and they spend hours reflecting and trying to find triggers, the different ways and means to communicate, and how best to understand their child. Every child is unique, and our support has to be based on them as individuals.
Social work can be so rewarding, especially when you see the positive impact of the support that you put in place. Working with families of children with SEND has taught me more about strength, compassion, and fortitude than any other role I’ve had.
It’s been a really exciting time for our team. I work with a great team with many expertise and knowledge. We have moved to the new SEND Integrated Hub at Lil Bilocca (the former Age Concern building in the city centre), along with our occupational therapy team and Disability Support Workers. Our Leisure and Family Support Service (LAFSS) have also moved into the building. The move has allowed them to expand, and they are supporting more children with disabilities to access their social groups and fun activities than ever before.
I was shocked to be recognised by BASW and I really appreciate it, but ultimately, I do what I do for the children and families I am working with.