Judi Love to host virtual ‘Thank You Social Workers’ event

Social Work Awards, the charity behind the annual Social Worker of the Year Awards, has revealed that comedian, TV broadcaster and BBC radio presenter, Judi Love, will be hosting their virtual ‘Thank You Social Workers’ event on 26 November.

The free virtual event will reflect and recognise the unique challenges, bravery and dedication of all social workers during Covid-19. It will feature inspiring messages from celebrities, interviews filmed with frontline social work practitioners and first-hand stories told by young people and adults who have been supported by social workers this year.

Judi Love is a star with a personal connection to the profession who, after caring for her mum for many years, studied for a master’s degree in social work at the Tavistock Institute.

It was at university where Judi found her calling for comedy, after performing a set in front of her class in which she revealed the comedic side of being a carer. Judi believes deeply in the power of laughter in overcoming life’s obstacles – In fact, her motto is “Laughter is Healing”.

Since her student days Judi has become a wildly successful stand-up comedian and broadcaster, last year becoming a regular panellist on the ITV talk show Loose Women. She also presents a weekly radio show on BBC London.

Speaking ahead of the event, Judi said: “I am honoured to be hosting the Thank You Social Workers Event, which recognises the amazing services and support social workers provide to communities nationwide, especially during the recent pandemic chaos.”

Peter Hay CBE, Chair of the Social Work Awards charity, said: “As a former social work student, carer and comedian who champions our recognition of social workers and understands the difficulties facing people in their work and lives, Judi truly embodies the values of our charity.

“We’re delighted that she will be hosting our Thank You Social Workers event, which will give our amazing social workers across England the recognition they deserve.”

A range of organisations have signed up to support the special event. They include Sanctuary Personnel as Title Sponsor, and the British Association of Social Workers (BASW), Essex County Council, Sunderland County Council, Children’s Social Work Matters, S12 Solutions and Bradford Metropolitan District Council who are all on board as Corporate Partners.

Meanwhile, UNISON, Devon County Council, London Borough of Waltham Forest and Social Work England are on board as Programme Sponsors, Hampshire County Council and Worcestershire Children First are Story Sponsors, and The London Borough of Wandsworth, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council and Leicester City Council Goody Bag sponsors.

To register for the event, please visit https://www.socialworkawards.com/thankyou.