Change the script on social work
It’s time to change the script on social work. We're sharing real stories of social work, and campaigning for more accurate portrayals of the profession in the media.
Change the script on social work
Social workers protect, support and empower people to improve their chances in life. However, the way people talk and write about social work doesn’t always reflect this.
In 2024, we called for the entertainment industry to more accurately represent social workers in TV and film. We’re now campaigning for everyone who talks or writes about social work to reflect the reality of social workers’ important roles. This includes highlighting the positive difference they make.
We’ve been working with social workers, the people they’ve supported, and people from the sector to launch the second phase of ‘Change the Script’. We’ve gathered real stories of social work told from the perspective of those who need social work in their lives.
Watch our short film
A new short film has been released as part of the campaign, featuring award-winning author Beth Moran – who is also a foster carer – meeting social workers and people they have supported to tell the real story of social work.
This video has optional captions. Press ‘play’ and select the captions icon on the video to turn them on and off. You can also embed this video on your digital platforms using a YouTube link.
Guide on how to talk and write about social work
We’ve collaborated with a range of sector stakeholders to co-produce a guide that provides information and practical suggestions for how to tell an accurate story of social work; one that recognises the positive impact social workers make in millions of people’s lives.
The guide is for anyone who talks or writes about social work, including charities, local authorities, media and the entertainment industry.
Use our guide to tell the real story of social work.
Together, we can Change the Script on social work
We have created a toolkit for people and organisations who can support the Change the Script campaign by promoting campaign content and messages.
Toolkit contents include:
- key messages
- assets
- social posts
- template website copy
- hero film
- reframing guide
Our goal is to transform how social work is viewed in society by telling the story of the impact social workers make to millions of lives, every day. You can help us to achieve this by sharing content that tells the real story of social work on your channels.
View further stories of social work
This film features real people. It tells the real story of social work from the perspective of Callum and Joel, who have been supported in the past by social workers Sonja and Sharon.
This video has optional captions. Press ‘play’ and select the captions icon on the video to turn them on and off.
About social work
Learn more about what social workers do, and what might happen when a social worker comes into your life.
Learn more about social work