OMAGH EVENTS HIGHLIGHT IMPORTANCE OF SOCIAL SERVICES WORKFORCE
Omagh events highlight importance of Social Services workforce
"The recent tragic events in Omagh highlighted for us all the importance of having a highly skilled and competent social services workforce, able to respond to the immediate needs of those who have been traumatised by their experiences," Health and Social Services Minister, John McFall MP, has said.
The Minister was speaking at an ward ceremony at which he presented diplomas to graduates of the Northern Ireland Diploma in Social Work - Employment Based Programme. He continued: "Many affected individuals will cope by drawing on their own resources and the practical and emotional support of their family, friends, church and community. But in the longer term, social services and others will have a vital role in supporting those who may need additional help to cope with their reaction to their trauma."
Mr McFall went on to praise the hard work and commitment of the fifty newly qualified social workers who were receiving their Diplomas. He said: "The Government is committed to high standards of training and qualification of the Personal Social Services. Northern Ireland needs people who possess the values, knowledge and skills that will enable them to work efficiently in programmes of care in community, residential, field and day care settings."
The employment-based programme draws its students from staff who are employed or seconded by statutory and voluntary social services agencies. Director of the Programme, Mr Dugald McCullough, said: "This course is an ideal solution for people whose circumstances do not permit them to study full-time.
"The recent tragic events in Omagh highlighted for us all the importance of having a highly skilled and competent social services workforce, able to respond to the immediate needs of those who have been traumatised by their experiences," Health and Social Services Minister, John McFall MP, has said.
The Minister was speaking at an ward ceremony at which he presented diplomas to graduates of the Northern Ireland Diploma in Social Work - Employment Based Programme. He continued: "Many affected individuals will cope by drawing on their own resources and the practical and emotional support of their family, friends, church and community. But in the longer term, social services and others will have a vital role in supporting those who may need additional help to cope with their reaction to their trauma."
Mr McFall went on to praise the hard work and commitment of the fifty newly qualified social workers who were receiving their Diplomas. He said: "The Government is committed to high standards of training and qualification of the Personal Social Services. Northern Ireland needs people who possess the values, knowledge and skills that will enable them to work efficiently in programmes of care in community, residential, field and day care settings."
The employment-based programme draws its students from staff who are employed or seconded by statutory and voluntary social services agencies. Director of the Programme, Mr Dugald McCullough, said: "This course is an ideal solution for people whose circumstances do not permit them to study full-time.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0405
Published Date: 10-Sep-98
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