The Department of Social Development and Welfare Celebrates Social Work Month 2025: ‘Social Work: Compassion + Action’

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday, 5 March 2025: The Department of Social Development and Welfare, within the Ministry of Home Affairs, Religious Affairs and Transportation, is proud to join the global observance of Social Work Month this March. Social Work Month is an annual celebration that highlights the critical contributions of social workers globally. Social workers are at the forefront of addressing pressing societal challenges, including but not limited to social injustice, child safeguarding and family support, healthcare access, poverty, homelessness and elderly care. Our work exemplifies the transformative power of compassion combined with action to drive hope and healing.

The theme for this year, “Social Work: Compassion + Action,” honours the commitment of social workers who turn empathy into meaningful change, strengthening individuals, families, and communities. Social work can be an emotionally demanding profession, yet social workers continue to strive every day to improve lives, despite long hours, modest compensation, and challenging emotional demands. We play an indispensable role in advocating for vulnerable populations and empowering individuals to navigate difficult social, emotional, and financial hurdles. This theme also underscores the importance of self-care for social workers. Just as passengers are advised to secure their own oxygen masks before assisting others, social workers must prioritise their own well-being to remain effective in their vital roles.

The Director of Social Development and Welfare, Mrs. Ashley Adams-Forbes, highlighted that social work is an indispensable yet demanding profession, often complex and emotionally challenging. “It requires meeting individuals where they are—or beyond the façades they present—which can sometimes be disheartening or difficult,” she stated. “Social work is a calling, embraced by those with a deep love for people and a commitment to making a lasting impact. The resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication of social workers form the cornerstone of sustainable social development and stronger communities.” Mrs. Adams-Forbes also noted that, as Turks and Caicos Islanders, we have the power to unite to create meaningful change in the lives of individuals and the wider community, one act of compassion at a time.

“As we commemorate Social Work Month, we express our heartfelt appreciation to those who have paved the way for this noble profession and to those who continue to serve with resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication,” said Honourable Shaun Malcolm, the Minister who holds responsibility for the Department of Social Development and Welfare. He additionally added “social workers are essential advocates for change, tirelessly working to address complex social issues and to support those in need. This month, we extend our deepest gratitude to these remarkable professionals and reaffirm our commitment to supporting their vital work.”

The efforts of social workers leave a profound and lasting positive impact on the lives of individuals and the communities we support. We invite all who wish to commemorate this month with the department, to join us for a church service at St. Monica’s Anglican Church on Thursday, 20^th March 2025, at 10 am.

For more information about the Department of Social Development and our programmes, please visit our website: www.gov.tc/dsd or email us at infodsd@gov.tc.

Contact numbers:

Providenciales: 1-649-338-4008

Grand Turk: 1-649-338-2684

North & Middle Caicos: 1-649-338-6411/12

South Caicos: 1-649-338-6321

To report a safeguarding matter or concern to this department, kindly see contact information:

MASH: 1-649-338-4013

mash@gov.tc

reportabusetci@gov.tc

Follow us on Instagram: @socialdevelopment.welfare

Facebook: @department of social development, tci