Change the Script: 4 unseen social work roles making a difference every day
We share the stories of 4 social workers, showing how the profession protects, supports and empowers people.
Change the Script: 4 unseen social work roles making a difference every day
6/3/2026 4:30:00 PM
From responding to 999 calls alongside paramedics to supporting families through end-of-life care, social workers are making an impact in places many people don’t expect. Our latest Change the Script case studies spotlight 4 professionals working in ‘unseen’ roles, and the vital difference they make to people’s lives.
Change the Script is our campaign to encourage more accurate portrayals of social work by sharing real stories from across the profession. In the latest phase, we’re highlighting social workers in settings that rarely feature in media coverage.
Research has found that only 9% of news coverage about social work positively reflects the breadth of roles across the profession. Yet more than 3,300 social workers support people in hospital, over 7,000 support people with disabilities and nearly 12,000 work in mental health services, alongside colleagues in schools, hospices, the justice system and beyond.
Below, we share the stories of 4 social workers, showing how the profession protects, supports and empowers people, and why it is important that the public sees the full picture of what social workers do.
David: responding to mental health emergencies with London Ambulance Service
David is a mental health social worker on a joint response vehicle, attending emergency callouts alongside paramedics. Together, they assess both mental and physical health needs by helping people access the right care and, where possible, preventing unnecessary trips to A&E by finding alternative pathways of support.
"Social workers, they're special - and they should be seen and they should be celebrated."
Watch David's story on YouTube
Alex: supporting people and families through hospice and end-of-life care
Alex is a palliative social worker at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity in Cambridgeshire, supporting adults living with advanced serious illness or a life-limiting condition. Working alongside clinical teams, Alex helps people and families navigate practical and emotional challenges, plan for the future, and access the support they need. Recognising that end-of-life care can be unpredictable, and that dignity, choice and connection matter.
"Social workers have the power to make positive changes - not only to the people we support now, but to the next generation and the next generation."
Hanna: helping families when a child faces cancer or a life challenging condition.
Hana works at Momentum Children’s Charity, supporting families whose child has a diagnosis of cancer or a life- challenging condition. Her story reflects the depth of expertise behind social work practice, taking time to understand a family’s circumstances, advocate for their needs, and provide consistent help during some of the most difficult moments they will face.
"People only see the outcome of decisions, but not the depth of analysis that goes into working with families."
Watch Hanna's story on YouTube
Shafiq: supporting injured service personnel and military families at a rehabilitation centre.
Shafiq is a senior social worker at the Ministry of Defence’s Military Rehabilitation Centre in Loughborough. As part of the treating team, he supports injured armed forces personnel through rehabilitation and helps them reconnect with community life. He also supports military families while loved ones are deployed, linking people with education, housing and wider services.
"Social workers are professionals who are equally trained and highly skilled like our medical colleagues – and being part of the rehabilitation team is something very special."
Watch Shafiq's story on YouTube
Together, these stories challenge stereotypes and show social work as it really is. A skilled and compassionate practice in every corner of society.
Watch the videos, share the stories and help us change the script on social work.
About Change the Script
Change the Script shares real stories of social work and calls on everyone who talks or writes about social work to reflect the reality of the profession’s important roles, and the positive difference social workers make.