Page 1 of 3
Introduction
Relationships are important in all areas of life, and important to all people, as it is through our relationships with others that we learn about life, how we come across to others, how we grow and change and find the strength to face new challenges.
In relation to social work, it is important that you work to build strong relationships with service users to help them through the difficulties they may be experiencing.
Also, service users often seek the help of social workers, or fall within social work's remit, because important relationships have broken down in some way. This can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation and a difficulty maintaining good quality relationships - that is, a connection to other human beings that feels satisfying and fulfilling in an important way.
Page 2 of 3
Introduction
Read Tom and Marjory's accounts below to see how relationships have made a difference in their daily lives.
Tom
I felt really helped by my social worker when my wife died - she used to take care of all the bills and things that needed to be sorted out. She was much better at that kind of thing than me. So when she died, I just felt lost - absolutely lost and worried that the bills would get me into trouble and I'd get evicted. Then I fell and had to go to hospital and it's there I met the social worker who gathered up all my bills and wrote down for me what needed to be paid. She still pops in to see me every now and again when she's passing - just pops her head round the door and says 'Everything okay Tom? Any problems?' I really appreciate it and if I have any worries, she always comes back later to give me a hand . . . that's so important when you live alone and don't understand things . . . I don't ask for a lot but she's never let me down yet . . .
Marjory
People call me a 'carer' and I belong to our local carer support group but this word doesn't really describe my relationship with David. Yes, he's disabled and can't do hardly anything for himself but I love him all the same. I love him to bits and what people sometimes forget is what David gives to me. You see, he loves me and he shows it in little things - in the way his face lights up when he sees me or strokes my hand. It's his way of saying 'thank you'. He wouldn't be here but for me but I'd be lost without him - if you see what I mean. He's my life . . .
Page 3 of 3
Introduction
When talking about relationships it is also important to understand that relationships that have broken down or have gone wrong in some way can bring about considerable pain and suffering. This can then lead people to feel a sense of despair about themselves, other people in their lives and the world around them.
For this reason building and maintaining good relationships with service users is vital if we are to enable people to overcome these feelings and move on.
This requires not only a good understanding of the personal qualities and attributes needed, but how to use them properly.
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