End staff “macho culture”

Agencies should do more to support social workers who have dealt
with unexpected or dangerous situations. Kent Council substance
misuse worker Simon Southworth, who was once held for two hours by
a client with a bayonet, criticised the “macho culture” in social
care that says workers should never show any vulnerability.

Southworth said: “Organisations need more continuous support for
very traumatic experiences which could have long-term effects for
workers. Procedures are there to help us when these things happen
and we shouldn’t reject it as mumbo-jumbo. If you run procedures
properly you don’t have to be strong,” he added.

Southworth praised his management at Kent for the positive
feedback and debriefing he received after his ordeal.