‘I call it my mental health Monday’: how social workers look after their own wellbeing

Although local authorities take safeguarding their employees’ mental health seriously, social workers also take their own measures. ‘No matter how difficult the day was, I leave my problems outside and just dance,’ says Yvette Carrous-Gibbs. Photograph: kate_sept2004/Getty Images

Social workers support some of the most vulnerable in our society, helping millions of people to improve their chances in life. Many professionals describe it as rewarding, and also varied – with jobs in settings as wide-ranging as local councils, charities, prisons, schools, the London Ambulance Service and even Heathrow airport.

But it isn’t without its challenges. Research by Social Work England found that 79% of those surveyed cited high workloads and burnout as the most pressing issues. However, Colum Conway, chief executive of the organisation, says awareness of the importance of sustaining good mental health and wellbeing is growing in the profession.