From a very young age I knew I wanted to work in a profession that focuses on supporting others. I feel an immense sense of satisfaction when I am able to empower, enable and help people, especially in a moment of need. It’s a great privilege. At 18 years old, I was volunteering for Social Services and provided support to Children in the form of positive activities and helping with learning. This work inspired me to become a social worker.  

In 1999 I was placed in one of the Polish Children’s Homes, which strongly influenced my future choices. I felt deeply affected by injustice in the world and realised how privilege can shape our lives. I have been passionate about making a positive difference ever since. 

I moved over to practice in the UK in 2006. In my first year of living in the UK I discovered what racism feels like, and had to work very hard on not allowing my self-esteem and self-image to be affected by the experience. I also became a trustee for a charity helping people from minorities successfully integrate into their local communities, and have been an inclusion activist ever since.  

I have been working for Southend City Council since 2014. Southend is perfect for me. I’ve been able to develop positive relationships with colleagues across Children and Adult’s Services. People are approachable and available, and relationships are valued here.  

Our model of work centres on restorative practice,  which I strongly identify with on both a personal and professional level. I feel very comfortable and natural when applying principles of restorative practice in my day to day interactions- I can be myself and express my identity and cultural heritage without any fear of being judged. I truly feel diversity and equality are appreciated and celebrated in Southend!  

I like to feel stimulated by ongoing academic learning and by professional challenges. During my career in Southend I have been supported in developing various practice specialisms; including academic management training (part of the MA programme), specialist mental health training for Approved Mental Health Professionals, Youth at Risk Coaching Accreditation, licenses to deliver various assessment and intervention programmers and developing in the role of a Practice Educator. There are many opportunities in Southend to progress professionally. I’ve taken advantage of these opportunities and experienced many exiting roles that helped me to build more insight into our challenging (but extremely rewarding) profession, which I am very proud to be part of.  

I currently manage The Practice Unit. In my role, I utilise my professional experience, expertise and specialist skills to support others on their professional journey, which ultimately helps children and adults in need of support. There is nothing more satisfying for me than seeing practitioners progressing on the ladder or developing in their roles- it’s an honour to be part of their journey.  

The Practice Unit is responsible for producing CPD training offers across Children and Adult’s Services. We also contribute to the Fostering training offer. We support learning and development across services by sharing tools and good practice examples, providing consultations and learning forums and keeping our staff members up to date with legal and practice trend changes.  

Another function in our team is supporting newly qualified social workers and their assessors as well as social work students and their practice educators. We work very closely with our local universities and regional partnerships to deliver the best outcomes to our learners and their teachers / assessors. There are many projects that The Practice Unit is leading, for example development of anti-racist practice or improving outcomes for those affected by Harmful Sexual Behaviours or Child Sexual Abuse. Our projects are always co-produced by our children or staff members, and we cannot express enough how much we value their contribution. Our staff members produce regular newsletters and comms focusing on matters important to them. The Practice Unit facilitates many different groups and forums, for example Staff Rep Group, Global Majority Working Group or Team Managers Peer Support Group (Adult’s Services). We are very busy in The Practice Unit but in my team we always say that we would not have it any other way! 

What is exciting about the social work profession is that our learning never ends. I’ve learnt to embrace the process, feedback and other people’s perspective and views. I have learnt to listen and understand, helping me connect with people on a deeper level. I believe that without forming meaningful relationships which are developed on understanding and care, positive changes are less likely.