Children’s social care

Social work is amazing, and that's why I got into it, because it just changes the lives of people.

I'm Ethel Odia and a Safeguarding Officer with Merton Council.

Safeguarding makes things better to create safety, to remove risk for, for people in the community.

The social work system gives hope, even though our parents are getting old, even though we got people with special needs, with cognitive impairment, there's a system that works, that gives them quality of life, despite the challenges, despite the life changes, despite the situation the struggles, which is brilliant.

It's something that just gives me that fulfilment you, you don't know how it feels when you know somebody says: 'Oh thank you so much, I'm really I'm grateful.' During Christmas, I got this amazing email from somebody I supported, so I, I did my job you know it's my job, I'm paid for.

People just send you those emails that just make you sometimes cry. 'Thank you so much, you gave us a chance to life, thank you so much for your support.' But, it's just what I enjoy doing and that's why I love my role.

My colleagues are amazing. I look forward to going into the office so much!