Thanks for sharing your story of service Therese, and enjoy a what comes next!

I was born in 1948, one of 6 children brought up by my older siblings in a poor but loving family. My dad died when i was 3years old and i only saw my mum for an hour or so each day as she worked 2 jobs.

I have 3 children, im a single parent and did many jobs to keep my family togather.

I qualified from Manchester University in 1995 and worked for the probation service initially then worked as a MH social worker/AMHP for 18years for a LA before becoming an independent social worker.

I have held that role for 13 years and decided this year the dreaded registration work was one step too far on top of the complexities of current case work.

Aged 74y, i feel that i need time to myself to do less stressful things.

Its been a privilege to assist and support some of the hundreds of people i have met, but social work has changed and the paperwork and red tape detracts from the time needed with clients.

I shall miss the work, but hope many follow in my footsteps, good old fashioned social work brings its own rewards.