Festive message from BASW Chair Julia Ross and CEO Ruth Allen
"Thanks for all of you for what you do in and for social work, whatever your role of relationship to our profession."
Dear Members
We send you warm wishes for this period of traditional celebrations and hope you have at least some time to relax and enjoy yourselves! With pressures and deeply troubling news often all around us, it is so important to create space and time to restore so we can be truly present for people in our personal and professional lives. Take time for yourselves and for the people and things that mean the most to you!
We know many of you will also be working over this period, making life better and safer for others and perhaps foregoing some of your social and family time. Your dedication at this time, as throughout the year, is hugely important. Thanks to all of you for what you do in and for social work, whatever your role or relationship to our profession.
This time of year is a time of traditional celebration of many cultures and faiths; Buddhism (Bodhi Day), Paganism (Yule), Judaism (Chanukah) and Christianity (Christmas).
This year, the start of Chanukah coincides with Christmas. In Julia’s home this year, her family celebrations will start with lighting the Chanukah candle on the 23rd which will stay alight for 8 days, and will coincide with the lighting of Christmas lights, bringing together the traditions of different parts of the family.
As social workers, we embrace the value of diverse cultures, traditions and belief systems in our work and very often in our personal lives At this time of year, particularly in the context of rising divisions which came out so heinously in July’s anti-migrant and racist riots and being played out in conflicts globally; and in the context of extremes of poverty and disadvantage that are causing such harm and division to children and adults across the UK, we should remember the deep value we can bring as social workers in creating a more integrated society and understanding across boundaries.
This isn’t easy or trite. It is something we bring as a community of social justice professionals. Let’s remember this going into the challenges of 2025. Seasons greetings to you all.