Share your inspiring images of social care in our 2015 charity photo competition

“I entered the competition to show that it’s not all about statutory social work, community social work is still very much alive and kicking as well.” This is what Natasha Andrews said of her winning entry in Community Care’s 2014 Inspiring Images of Social Care competition.

Andrews’ entry (above) captures the success of her community outreach project at the Whitstable Umbrella Community Centre in Kent, which she set up entirely on her own initiative while on placement with the centre as part of her MA in social work.

Starting off as a summer holiday play scheme, the ‘Opening the Umbrella’ initiative now offers a number of activities including a family support clinic and a club for children based on the popular Lego-like game, Minecraft.

Andrews said her winning image symbolised the “widening of our reach at the centre”, where help-based activities are providing children and families with the support they need.

This article is part of Community Care’s Stand up for Social Work campaign. We’re standing up for social work by being honest, offering support and providing inspiration.

This is just one of the inspiring stories behind the 2014 competition and we want you to share more of the moments that make you proud to work in social care with us this year.

The competition, which is sponsored by recruitment agency, Caritas, recognises the hard work and dedication of professionals working across the sector and the achievements of the people they support. So, if you’ve snapped a picture at an inspiring event or seen a service user create some great art, then why not submit it?

The winning images will be included in a charity calendar, which is sent out to thousands of professionals in the social care sector. Here’s everything else you need to know…

How to enter

It is free to enter the competition. All you need to do is complete our short entry form and email us your pictures. The deadline for entries is 10 April 2015.

What are we looking for?

Put simply – we’re looking for images that inspire those working in social care. These can be as arty and abstract as you like, just make sure to add a line on what the picture is about and why you decided to enter it.

Pictures can be of social workers and social care professionals, images that symbolise social work – dogs, cups of tea, files, toys, anything you want. As long as you have permissions, you can also enter pictures of service users or art they have created.

We’ll also accept drawings, collages and other images. These can be produced by young people, other service users or professionals themselves. Basically, this is your chance to get creative and showcase your profession in a positive light.

We are also asking entrants to nominate a social care charity of their choice, whose logo will be displayed alongside any winning picture. The calendar is a great way to showcase all of the fantastic work done by so many in the sector.

Who can enter?

Anyone who works in social work or social care, or uses their services. You can work in any part of the sector and for any organisation – local authority, charity, private, independent or any other type of social care body.

What about anonymity?

Community Care takes the anonymity of professional and service users very seriously. Please make sure that if you are identifying a person in a picture that you have their permission to do so. If the person is under 18, or a vulnerable adult, then a parent, carer, guardian or responsible professional must also give permission.

If anonymity is an issue, then be creative and see if there is a way to convey your message without identifying the person. Community Care is happy to offer advice on how best to do this as it is a challenge we often have to overcome ourselves when taking or using pictures.

How will the photos be used?

Pictures will be uploaded onto Community Care. Shortlisted entries will be exhibited at Community Care Live in a photographic exhibition on 12 and 13 May 2014.

Winning entries will be used in a 2016 calendar, which will be distributed to social care professionals. All winners will be able to select a charity of their choice, whose logo will be displayed alongside the winning pictures. The person who submits the overall best photo – as voted by the judges – will also get to nominate a social care charity of their choice to receive a £500 donation.

Who are the judges?

Community Care is selecting judges from within social work and social care. Everyone is handpicked by us and chosen for their commitment to the sector.

Copyright

By entering this photo competition, you are granting Community Care all rights to the picture or images. We will only use the pictures in the way described above.

Read the full list of terms and conditions

You can join our Stand up for Social Work campaign by:

• Taking one action and telling us what it is
• Sharing this article
• Sharing what you’ve done to make a difference today
• Writing a letter to your MP
• Changing your profile  picture