The Government of Saskatchewan has officially proclaimed March 20th to 25th, 2023, as Social Work Week in Saskatchewan. The theme for this year is Social Work is Essential. 

Jenna Hesse, Member Support at the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers (SASW), explained that Social Work Week is meant to acknowledge and promote the essential work that social workers do across the province. 

"Social work is a regulated profession. We work with individuals, families, groups and communities to improve individual or collective well-being. We respond to social issues like racism, poverty or unemployment. We also advocate for social justice and human rights."

SASW promotes and regulates the profession of social work in the province. There are more than 2,500 social workers currently registered in Saskatchewan. 

She explained that social workers work in so many different capacities and settings, such as therapy, counselling, social policy in the community or in the government, in health research, or usually, they are working in collaboration with other professions as well. 

SASW represents social workers for all of Saskatchewan, Hesse said. "There is a southeast branch that includes Weyburn. They have a branch that works together to have a community and support within that area, for all of the registered social workers in that location."

"I know that they have planned several community events to promote social work in Weyburn and the surrounding area. I think they have attended the Weyburn, Oxbow, and Estevan City Council meetings this week. They also attended the Rotary Club to provide a presentation and education on social work." 

Hesse added that SASW also planned several virtual events providing free educational opportunities for members on issues corresponding to the social work field. 

For more information on Social Work Week, you can visit the Saskatchewan Association of Social Workers' website HERE or the SASW Facebook page HERE.