Maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health is vital for everyone, but it’s particularly important for those working in caring professions, like social workers, who are often called upon to be resilient.

Developing mindfulness, accessing support and selfcare practice is essential for preventing professional burnout for social workers.

Does there need to be a cultural change in the social work profession? Many in practice are used to getting into hero mode to help other people, but the question is are they looking after themselves. There are several ways they can do this, and interventions and supports available to ensure they can take care of themselves so they can take care of others.

Want to hear more? In this episode Dr Wendy Austin MBE sits down with Dr Alan Maddock, Lecturer, Dept of Health Psychology, School of Population Health, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Jeananne Jackson, Senior Social Worker, Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Carolyn Ewart, National Director, BASW NI and Janine Gordon, Divisional Social Worker, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.

Remember it’s okay not to feel okay. Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.