18/03/2025
🌍 Happy World Social Work Day! 🌍
Today, we celebrate World Social Work Day (WSWD) and honor the incredible work of social workers worldwide. This year’s theme, "Social Work as a Catalyst for Change", resonates deeply with my personal mission and my ongoing commitment to support individuals, families, and communities in their journeys toward healing and growth. As a social worker, I’ve seen firsthand how the right support at the right time can spark transformation, and it’s what drives me every single day.
Social work is more than a profession—it’s a passion to help people navigate life’s challenges and create positive change in their own lives. Whether it’s supporting individuals with mental health struggles, advocating for victims of trauma, or guiding people through the maze of services they may need, social work empowers individuals to thrive. It’s about standing up for those whose voices are often unheard, creating safe spaces for healing, and connecting people to the resources they deserve. It’s about making change possible, no matter how big or small.
Over the years, however, I’ve seen how social work is often misunderstood, particularly in the mental health and NDIS spaces. Many people may be more familiar with psychologists in the mental health realm and occupational therapists in the NDIS field, but social workers bring a unique skill set and perspective that is sometimes overlooked. Social workers are trained to address the whole person, taking into account not just the individual’s mental health needs, but also their social, environmental, and community context. We advocate for systems change, focusing on breaking down barriers and building access to the services that empower individuals to live fulfilling lives.
In mental health, while psychologists focus heavily on diagnosis and treatment modalities, social workers like myself focus on holistic care, empowerment, and practical interventions. We understand the power of community connection and the importance of social determinants of health—things like family, employment, housing, and education—that deeply affect a person’s mental health. We work alongside individuals to navigate the systems, support their recovery journeys, and ensure that they have the tools and resources to sustain long-term well-being.
Similarly, in the NDIS space, while occupational therapists and other allied health professionals focus on physical and functional needs, social workers provide essential support in advocating for services, navigating complex systems, and empowering participants to have a say in the services and supports they receive. We focus on capacity building, ensuring that individuals are not only supported through funding but also that they are connected to their community and helped to build meaningful relationships and social networks that improve their overall quality of life.
Additionally, social work is not just about supporting individuals—it’s also about creating change on a larger scale. One area that is gaining increasing importance is environmental social work, which aligns beautifully with the theme of "Social Work as a Catalyst for Change." Environmental social work focuses on addressing the interconnectedness between human well-being and the environment. It recognizes that social issues such as poverty, inequality, and mental health are often intertwined with environmental challenges like climate change, natural disasters, and resource depletion. As social workers, we have a unique role in advocating for sustainable policies, community-based environmental solutions, and ensuring that vulnerable communities are not left behind in efforts to protect our planet.
At Aware Women, we are not only committed to supporting women in their personal and mental health journeys but also in taking bold steps towards creating change on a broader level. As part of our commitment to social justice, we’re beginning to explore how we can contribute to environmental social work—empowering our community to think about sustainability, climate action, and the long-term health of our environment. As a catalyst for change, we believe that women’s voices are critical in shaping the future of our planet and fostering a more equitable, resilient society.
đź’« Special Offer: Bulk-Billed Initial Mental Health Assessment đź’«
To celebrate World Social Work Day and support those who need it most, I’m offering bulk-billed initial mental health assessments for those with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), so you can begin your healing journey without any financial barriers. No MHCP? Not a problem! You can access the initial assessment for just $88 until April 18th.
I work with clients across multiple funding streams:
MHCP (Mental Health Care Plan)
EDCP (Eating Disorder Care Plan)
Victim Services
NDIS
WorkCover
EAP (Converge International or Tamworth Regional Council)
Private funding options
Whether you're seeking support for mental health, trauma recovery, or personal growth, there’s help available, and I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
In addition to 1:1 therapy, I’m excited to announce that we are expanding our services to include group work, women’s circles, and a groundbreaking new app in collaboration with Might Networks. This app will be designed to help women in Tamworth (and beyond) build real-world connections, combat isolation, and enhance social capital in our community. By fostering meaningful connections, we aim to create a network of support that encourages women to thrive together, reduce loneliness, and support each other in both their personal and professional lives.
This year’s WSWD theme, "Social Work as a Catalyst for Change," aligns perfectly with the work we are doing at Aware Women. Together, we are creating a space where empowerment and connection are at the forefront, helping women feel seen, heard, and supported as they navigate their journeys toward healing and growth.
If you're passionate about making change—whether in mental health, community well-being, or environmental justice—we would love to hesr from you. Together, we can help create a catalyst for change that empowers women, nurtures communities, and contributes to the sustainability of our planet.
If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, don’t wait. Contact me today for more information on how we can help, or share this post with a friend who may benefit. You deserve to be supported in your mental health journey and empowered to make positive change in your life.
📞 Let’s make a change together. 💪
