Social workers aim to promote the independence and wellbeing of
people they work with in order to assist social inclusion and
valued community presence, promote recovery and enable the widest
possible expression of chosen lifestyle.
They help people to live more successfully within their local
communities by helping them find solutions to their problems and to
succeed, social workers must work not only with service users, but
with their families, neighbours and friends as well as partner
organisations such as the police, schools and health providers.
'The social work profession promotes social change,
problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and
liberation of people to enhance well-being. Utilising theories of
human behaviour and social systems, social work intervenes at the
points where people interact with their environments. Principles of
human rights and social justice are fundamental to social work'
(BASW Code of ethics 2001).
How to access social work within Manchester Mental Health and
Social Care Trust
Social workers are employed within a variety of
multi-disciplinary teams across the Trust, such as Community Mental
Health Teams, Crisis Resolution and Home Treatment Teams, Early
Intervention and Assertive Outreach, that provide assessment, care
and support for individuals with either time limited disorders or
serious and enduring mental health problems. Social workers work
alongside other professions such as nurses, doctors, occupational
therapists and support workers in most of the Trust's services.
Throughout the Trust, social workers are aware of and operate
within a complex legislative framework, offering assessment and
support based on clearly defined need and eligibility, guided
by:
- Care Programme Approach (CPA)
- NHS and Community Care legislation
- Carer's legislation
- The standards set out within Fairer Access to Care Services
(FACS).
People who use mental health services often value the
non-stigmatising help and access to services provided by social
workers and the core values of social work practice directly
support the principles underpinning self-directed support and the
independent living movement.
Referrals for social work assessment and support can be made
either through the Trust Single Point of Access 0161 276
5313 or Manchester City Council's Contact Centre
0161 255 8250
Specialist roles
Following a period of extensive training social workers can
practice as Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs) to carry
out the full duties and responsibilities under the Mental Health
Act 1983 (as amended by the Mental Health Act 2007 and Code of
Practice). Additionally some senior social workers are also offered
the opportunity to train and act as Best Interest Assessors under
the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
Referrals for assessments under the Mental Health Act or Mental
capacity Act can be made either through the Trust Single Point of
Access 0161 276 5313 or Manchester City Council's
Contact Centre 0161 255 8250