Edinburgh West MP, Mike Crockart spent yesterday morning with staff from one of the social work centres in Edinburgh in order to gain a greater understanding of the issues facing local social workers.

Mike spent time discussing many issues with social workers and administrative staff including the heavy and growing burden of paperwork, the concerns felt about the workings of the Children’s Panel Service and the huge emotional pressures involved in dealing with people going through extremely traumatic circumstances.

Mike said “I am filled with admiration for the work done by Edinburgh’s social workers and the dedication which they show in dealing with extremely difficult situations”

“Having gone out with one social worker to visit a recovering heroin user and her family, I saw at first hand the difference that effective early intervention and support can make to the life chances of many young children in Edinburgh”

“More needs to be done to recognise the hard work and benefit to society that social workers across the UK contribute every day.”