Social work statistic

[Deleted User]

Not really MSE but if anyone can point me in the right direction I'd be grateful.
I'm starting my personal statement, and I'm appying for social work, and I'd really like to start my personel statement off a little different ( hears where you all tell my I'm not being original!!!:D )
I'd really like to start it off with a relevent statistic that deals with social work in some way.. not 100% in what way, just something that makes my statement stand out.
I've searched the net tonight and come up with some really interesting stuff but not really waht I'm looking for.
I was kinda looking for something like........ % of children in Britain currentally need the involvment of social services.. or something like that to be honest it only came to my mind today so I've not really thought it through really..
Anyway.. sorry for the long post.. not looking for someone to tell me what to write jus point me in the right direction

Thanks in advance! :beer:

alwaysonthego_2

I personally would not put anything like that in your personal statement. A personal statement is suppose to paint a picture of you to the admissions tutor. If you want to stand out include relevant work experience, hobbies and the reason why you want to become a social worker. Make sure it is well written and no spelling mistakes.

You have plenty of time in your interview to impress with statistics etc which will be expected to you.

dmg24

Have to agree with always on this one, the PS should be about you and your relevant skills and experience.

Good luck! x

[Deleted User]

Thank you. I was just worried I wouldn't stand out, my experience is pretty limited, having not worked since my son was born ( I'm a single mum) I was a nanny for 8 yrs before that. I'd just wanted to show how commited I was to doing the work.
Any ways thanks. I will take your advice ( both of you sorry don't know how to double quote)
S

alwaysonthego_2

Have you thought of doing some volunteering work? At the CAB where I volunteer, we have student social workers doing placement. Home start and sure start are good places too

[Deleted User]

alwaysonthego wrote: »

Have you thought of doing some volunteering work? At the CAB where I volunteer, we have student social workers doing placement. Home start and sure start are good places too

I'm trying to get volunteer work atm ,but I'm not having much luck as I'm in college 4 days a week, which only leaves one, I did contact home start but they train on a Mon and I'm in college all day, same with young offendeding team ( I was going to volunteer for comunity panel work) I rang social services today and was told they couldn't help me.
I will try sure start though. My problem is I can't get child care for weekend so If I volunteer it would have to be during the day.
Have you any other ideas as well as sure start??

alwaysonthego_2

Citizens advice centre
Depending what area you want to specialise i.e childrens home, womens refuge, hostels, drug projects or contact a social worker and ask if you could shadow them.

[Deleted User]

alwaysonthego wrote: »

Citizens advice centre
Depending what area you want to specialise i.e childrens home, womens refuge, hostels, drug projects or contact a social worker and ask if you could shadow them.

Good idea. I contacted a sevrvice in my area which lists organisations wanting volunteer work but I keep getting the ansa machine. No one gets back to me.
Also I did contact social services today and was told they couldn't help me.. By a rather un helpful ldady. I will try the CAB though. I'm not 1005 sure of the area but I've toyed with young offenders an families
Cheers
S

the_other_mce

Sallylizzie wrote: »

I'm trying to get volunteer work atm ,but I'm not having much luck as I'm in college 4 days a week, which only leaves one, I did contact home start but they train on a Mon and I'm in college all day, same with young offendeding team ( I was going to volunteer for comunity panel work) I rang social services today and was told they couldn't help me.
I will try sure start though. My problem is I can't get child care for weekend so If I volunteer it would have to be during the day.
Have you any other ideas as well as sure start??

Trying to get work experience in childrens services is particularly hard due to the confidentiality of the work (and rightly so). Most Soc. Serv. teams are not interested unless you are at least part-way through a course and are CRB checked. You could try Connexions - they work with young people who often have employment or housing issues, or think about volunteering as a carer for a disabled child if you feel you have the skills. There are also lots of youth groups you could help with. Your local council may also have a traineeship scheme whereby they sponsor you to train as a social worker and provide you with practical experience as well. Might be worth a go...
HTH.....

dmg24

I imagine you have developed some excellent social work skills bringing up a son! Don't play it down, they will be looking for people with life experience x

[Deleted User]

the_other_mce wrote: »

Trying to get work experience in childrens services is particularly hard due to the confidentiality of the work (and rightly so). Most Soc. Serv. teams are not interested unless you are at least part-way through a course and are CRB checked. You could try Connexions - they work with young people who often have employment or housing issues, or think about volunteering as a carer for a disabled child if you feel you have the skills. There are also lots of youth groups you could help with. Your local council may also have a traineeship scheme whereby they sponsor you to train as a social worker and provide you with practical experience as well. Might be worth a go...
HTH.....

WOW.. thanks that was really helpful. I did see an adviser at the college and she gave the the number for the volunteer place that aren't returning my calls and told me to call social services direct.
I understand about confidentialty, I will note all the comments and make calls on monday.
Any idea who I would speak to at the council to see if they have a traineeship thing going on, and connexions def, in fact I go past a connexions on the way to take my DD to ballet!
you're a star. thanks so much