The event provided an opportunity for Tower Hamlets social workers to connect with and learn from representatives from a range of the borough’s community organisations, including the Wapping Bangladeshi Association, St Paul’s Church Shadwell, the Carers Centre and many others.
Over 500 Children’s Services staff attended the event, which provided a space for all attendees to network and develop a fuller understand the rich and diverse tapestry of community that makes up the borough. Sam Nair, head of Tower Hamlets' Learning Academdy, noted the importance of events like the conference in building positive relationships.
”This conference was organised to enable our staff to connect with our communities. Knowing our communities motivates us to serve relationally and strive to provide excellent services." Sam Nair, Tower Hamlets
”This conference was organised to enable our staff to connect with our communities. Knowing our communities motivates us to serve relationally and strive to provide excellent services."
Sam Nair, Tower Hamlets
Director of Children’s Social Care Susannah Beasley-Murray was proud to see Tower Hamlets host the event. Susannah was glad to meet with community representatives and learn more about their unique challenges, whilst identifying opportunities to further develop and transform relationships.
“It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect with key members and organisations doing phenomenal work for our children and families. The tour of the community stalls allowed staff to engage, ask meaningful questions and explore ways we can collaborate together more effectively.” Susannah Beasley-Murray, Tower Hamlets
“It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to connect with key members and organisations doing phenomenal work for our children and families. The tour of the community stalls allowed staff to engage, ask meaningful questions and explore ways we can collaborate together more effectively.”
Susannah Beasley-Murray, Tower Hamlets
A key part of the day was hearing the stories of three young people who, in their own words, have benefitted from their experience of Tower Hamlets’ Children’s Social Care Service.
The first was a young man, originally from Syria, who spoke articulately about his journey to London. He found social care staff in Tower Hamlets to be an inspiring source of comfort, support and advice whenever he needed it. He sees himself as a role model for care experienced children and wants everybody to be able to access the opportunities that were made available to him. He now uses his own lived experience to shape Tower Hamlets' support offer, taking a leading role in advising senior council leaders about the services for children living in care.
Another care experienced speaker, a young artist, charmed the audience with his authentic and heartfelt artwork, displaying his piece “Woman with an Umbrella” – a tribute to his mother, who he hopes to reconnect with soon. His sense of loss was edifying, but he proudly spoke of seeing Tower Hamlets as his community, and his personal advisor as a second father to him.
Another care experience young person, now studying for her master’s degree, spoke of finding “a place to belong” in Tower Hamlets. Having been previously supported by the borough, she now works with Tower Hamlets as a member of decision-making panels, including fostering. This means she directly gets to help young people - in a situation similar to her own - growing find a safe and nurturing foster home.
Each young person had a unique story and journey, with the constant being the opportunities that were provided to them through the support they received from Tower Hamlets.
Leo Major, Tower Hamlets' Head of Children Looked After and Throughcare, was warmed by the stories told, whilst also looking forward to the ways in which the borough’s services could be improved even further.
"It goes without saying how inspiring it was to hear from our communities about all that Tower Hamlets means to them, and equally their challenge about what we, as a council, can do to better support them. The word which echoed most loudly is that we need to listen to what they are telling us, and ensure our work is as much as possible about working together collaboratively.” Leo Major, Tower Hamlets
"It goes without saying how inspiring it was to hear from our communities about all that Tower Hamlets means to them, and equally their challenge about what we, as a council, can do to better support them. The word which echoed most loudly is that we need to listen to what they are telling us, and ensure our work is as much as possible about working together collaboratively.”
Leo Major, Tower Hamlets
Tower Hamlets welcome applications from qualified social workers that are as dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people like those who spoke at the Better Together Children’s conference. Benjamin Yeboah, a Group Manager and social worker in the borough, chatted about why he loves supporting children and young people.
“I have been a social worker for some time, and I have seen the challenges and barriers that cared for and care experienced children face, as they navigate life’s circumstances and opportunities. The strength and desire to continue in being a social worker, for me, comes from the success stories of our children. Their resilience and desire to succeed, in the face of challenges in life… is admirable. My wish is always to be part of celebrating their successes with them because they are living examples of what being focused and committed can bring to another person.” Benjamin Yeboah, Tower Hamlets
“I have been a social worker for some time, and I have seen the challenges and barriers that cared for and care experienced children face, as they navigate life’s circumstances and opportunities. The strength and desire to continue in being a social worker, for me, comes from the success stories of our children. Their resilience and desire to succeed, in the face of challenges in life… is admirable. My wish is always to be part of celebrating their successes with them because they are living examples of what being focused and committed can bring to another person.”
Benjamin Yeboah, Tower Hamlets
Find out more about working in Tower Hamlets and help to make a difference in their vibrant community. If you want to hear from Tower Hamlets' team about why the borough is a great place to work, register here for their children's social work recruitment event on September 23rd at 5:30pm.