SUDBURY -- It’s officially social work week across Ontario.
At Laurentian University on Monday, there was a kick-off of several events with the theme of "Leading positive change across systems and settings."
The deputy mayor of Greater Sudbury, Joscelyne Landry-Altmann, read the official proclamation.
"The work they do directly impacts outcomes in our municipality. It helps us break the cycle of poverty. It provides support for people who probably don’t have any. It’s so important for the person themselves and if they have children,” said Landry-Altmann.
The week runs from March 2 - 8 and is dedicated to highlighting the profession and the difference social workers make.
“As social workers, we work with people in their environment, so we do individual counselling, group counselling and we are also involved in social change,” said Laurentian University Assistant Professor Isabelle Cote.
Organizers say the week is also to recognize the valuable contributions of social workers leading system changes.
"Recognizing the work that social workers do to improve communities, work with people around resolving health and wellness concerns, and really trying to make change in a system that might not be able to meet the demands or the acuity of need in our community," said Laurentian University Assistant Professor Tanya Shute.
"It’s meant to really highlight how social workers are present in moving social changes through various organizations, but also involved in policies and policy-making and assisting the government in designing policies and moving forward towards the well-being of the population," said Ontario Association of Social Workers Member Sylvie Rivard.
As part of the week, the Ontario Association of Social Workers will be lobbying at Queen’s Park to end hallway healthcare and highlight mental health needs.
