Initially funded by the DfE for the SafeCORE project, over 300 staff have been trained in CMT, helping them cope with self-criticism and balancing strong emotions.
Developed as part of a wider wellbeing initiative, CMT helps staff develop greater self-compassion, reducing self-criticism and improving emotional resilience. For many in social work, the demands of supporting families in crisis can often lead to burnout and emotional exhaustion. CMT aims to combat these issues by fostering a deeper sense of compassion for both themselves and the children and families they support.
Social workers in Greenwich have expressed that CMT has helped them better manage and understand complex cases, with one practitioner noting the impact that it had on her when supporting the parent of a young offender.
“Their child was awaiting sentencing, so it was a case where I couldn't give them false hope. There were times when I felt a bit helpless towards my client because they were going through so many emotions. I felt being being more transparent with the parent, and myself, would help.The parent appreciated that. CMT teaches that you don't have to be always in control of situations try to solve them, and that the problem doesn't necessarily need to be solved at that time. I think CMT has given me a way of thinking. Sometimes there is a difficult situation, and what you show on the outside isn't maybe what you are feeling inside. Sometimes, it helps to bring out what you are feeling inside and keep things simple and honest. In my experience, people appreciate it.” Social Worker, Greenwich
“Their child was awaiting sentencing, so it was a case where I couldn't give them false hope. There were times when I felt a bit helpless towards my client because they were going through so many emotions. I felt being being more transparent with the parent, and myself, would help.The parent appreciated that.
CMT teaches that you don't have to be always in control of situations try to solve them, and that the problem doesn't necessarily need to be solved at that time.
I think CMT has given me a way of thinking. Sometimes there is a difficult situation, and what you show on the outside isn't maybe what you are feeling inside. Sometimes, it helps to bring out what you are feeling inside and keep things simple and honest. In my experience, people appreciate it.”
Social Worker, Greenwich
With the tools provided by CMT, practitioners are now better equipped to manage personal crises and build stronger, more transparent relationships. The ability to stay present, maintain boundaries, and foster honest communication is vital in maintaining both personal and professional wellbeing.
By enabling social workers to better handle emotional responses, CMT helps create a more compassionate environment for young people and their families.
Since its introduction, CMT has become integral to the Royal Borough of Greenwich’s Practice Framework, alongside Systemic Social Work. As staff continue to embrace CMT, they report improvements in their ability to balance personal and work lives, set boundaries, and practice self-awareness.
“I became more aware that looking after ourselves allows us to look after others better” Social Worker, Greenwich
“I became more aware that looking after ourselves allows us to look after others better”
The borough has seen its efforts to better support reflected in staff wellbeing and retention rates. If you'd like to join Greenwich's supportive team, recently rated 'Outstanding' by Ofsted, view their current social work job opportunities.
Greenwich's job fair, held in The Gallery at the Woolwich Centre, provides an opportunity for social workers to meet the borough's social work teams and speak to staff. Attendees are invited to also chat with HR teams and submit their CV. Register here via Eventbrite if you would like to attend.