BASW deeply sad over loss of another social worker to COVID-19

Muhammad Islam worked with young people leaving care for Birmingham Children’s Trust

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) is deeply saddened to learn of the loss of social worker, Muhammad Islam, to COVID-19. 

Muhammad worked for Birmingham Children’s Trust in the Care Leaving Service, supporting young people leaving the trust’s care into self-living.

BASW CEO Ruth Allen says: “Social workers form a tight knit community and this tragic news has hugely affected us. We send our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Muhammad.”

BASW understands Birmingham Children's Trust sourced sufficient PPE for their staff from the outset of the pandemic, but we also know from member feedback that this hasn't been a consistent outcome across the board with other employers.  

We will continue our efforts to lobby Government and employers for all social workers on the frontline delivering support to communities across the country to get the vital personal protective equipment they need, so they can better protected and in-turn, protect the vulnerable people they serve.

A JustGiving page to support children’s charities chosen by Muhammad’s family has been set up in his memory. Please click here to donate.

Andy Couldrick, Chief Executive of Birmingham Children’s Trust said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Muhammad after a battle with COVID-19 over the past few weeks. Muhammad was a well-respected, well-liked and highly-valued member of our care leavers’ team who supported many young people in Birmingham.

"Muhammad was passionate about providing the best care for young people and he will be sorely missed by his colleagues and the young people he supported, and our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Councillor Kate Booth, Cabinet Member for Children’s Wellbeing said: “On behalf of Birmingham City Council I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Muhammad’s family, friends and work colleagues for their sad loss.

"Muhammad had worked for many years making a valuable contribution to support children in care and care leavers in Birmingham and will be very much missed.”