Podcast: the refugee who became social worker of the year

In this episode of the Social Work Community podcast, we speak to Omaid Badar, overall winner at the Social Worker of the Year Awards 2023.

Omaid, who was also named children’s social worker of the year, tells his incredible story of coming to England as a teenage refugee. He recalls the night he spent in a police station and what happened the next morning when he met a social worker.

He explains why he became a social worker and how his own experiences affect his practice. Omaid speaks about the importance of restorative practice and building relationships with families and young people.

What made his colleagues at Kirklees Council nominate him? And what drives him to be the empathetic and compassionate social worker he is?

He also offers advice on how social workers can support unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

Listen now:

This podcast can also be accessed on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other podcasting platforms, just search ‘social work community‘.

You can read an interview with Omaid here.

The transcription for this episode is available here.

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Listen to other podcast episodes here:

• Should social workers be on social media?
• Racism in social work
• The pros and cons of being a young social worker
• What is the impact of negative media coverage on social workers?