Be part of the adult social care dream team!
We’re going all out to create a happy, high-achieving and flexible workforce that can respond to the changing demands of adult social care.
As part of this was formed a Peripatetic Team, providing Dorset’s adult community teams with short and medium-term support. Since its formation in 2016, the Peripatetic Team has grown from 7 to 20 workers and now also gets involved in delivering service transformation to improve outcomes.
Social worker Clara says:
“Being part of the Peripatetic Team has given me the opportunity to work in new areas, continually developing practice and refuelling my passion for social work”
Prepare to live better
‘Prepare to live better’ is our adult social care campaign which aims to educate people about the changing landscape of social care and encourage them to make financial provisions for their future care needs. We are using a range of media to promote and share our key messages which are:
- promoting independence so people become fitter and healthier - they start planning earlier so they and their families are not caught out later
- services will cost money so preparing for the costs of care now which means family members aren’t left with the worry
- getting help in your local community to encourage a sense of community spirit and reduce social isolation
- encouraging conversations so we can manage expectations. Small things can make a big difference to people’s lives; we want them to be in control of their care
Megan's story
Megan Standage is a Macmillan Cancer Care Social Worker working in a hospital setting.
Based at Dorset County Hospital in Dorchester, Megan’s role is jointly funded by Dorset Council and the hospital. She sees her role as building bridges and supporting patients, families and staff. Starting her care career in Children’s Services at a women’s refuge, Megan then went onto work in a children’s centre. It was at this time she trained as a social worker working with refugees, mainly women and unaccompanied children.
Working in a wide-ranging team, Megan is part of the social work team as well as the ward and palliative care teams.
Megan said:
“In the hospital, I’m working with many different professions including psychologists and occupational therapists. I’m learning all the time. The move to Dorset was great. Coming to a local office setting felt like returning to my origins.”
“The work I am doing now is about creating good dialogue between teams. As a ‘Practice Educator’, I’m learning from our setting and exploring how we can work best so we respond with compassion in a challenging and fast-moving environment.”
And the best bit about the team? “We reflect, discuss and support each other to achieve the best outcomes.”
Tilly's story
Tilly Baden, one of our social workers, was nominated in the Social Worker of the Year Awards. Read more about Tilly, how she became a social worker and what she enjoys about her job.