Change the Script: Lorimer Fostering Supports Social Work England’s Call to Reframe Perceptions of Social Work
At Lorimer Fostering, we understand that fostering is a journey built on relationships, trust, and a shared commitment to creating brighter futures for children and young people. Social workers play a central role in that journey — offering guidance, support, advocacy, and stability to both foster families and the children they care for.
That’s why we are proud to support Social Work England’s new campaign, “Change the Script”, which aims to challenge outdated stereotypes and promote a more accurate, balanced understanding of the social work profession.
What Is the “Change the Script” Campaign?
“Change the Script” is a bold, awareness-raising initiative launched by Social Work England, the regulator for social workers in England. It comes at a time when, despite the vital role they play in society, social workers are often misunderstood or misrepresented — particularly in the media and public conversation.
The campaign seeks to:
- Tackle stigma and misperceptions about social work
- Celebrate the value and impact of social workers across society
- Share authentic stories from those with lived and professional experience
- Encourage people to consider careers in this deeply rewarding field
By highlighting the human, compassionate, and skilled nature of social work, the campaign is changing how people think and talk about those who support some of the most vulnerable individuals in our communities.
Why This Campaign Matters to Us
As a fostering agency operating across the North West, we see the positive impact of social workers every single day.
Social workers are often the linchpin of the fostering process. They:
- Help ensure that children are placed in safe, nurturing homes
- Work alongside our carers to offer emotional and practical support
- Advocate for the needs of young people in education, health, and beyond
- Guide foster carers through challenging moments with empathy and expertise
Yet, despite their critical role, many social workers feel undervalued. In fact, recent research from Social Work England found that only 1 in 10 social workers believe their role is well understood or respected by the public. That needs to change.
At Lorimer, we believe respect for social workers goes hand-in-hand with better outcomes for children. When social workers are recognised and supported, they can do their best work — which directly benefits the children, families, and carers they serve.
Changing the Narrative — Together
“Change the Script” is about more than just raising awareness — it’s about creating a cultural shift.
That’s why we’re getting behind the campaign in the following ways:
- Sharing stories from social workers and foster carers to showcase real experiences
- Promoting campaign content across our digital channels
- Advocating for respectful, accurate language when talking about social care and social work
- Empowering our community to engage with and support the professionals who make fostering possible
We also encourage our carers and young people (where appropriate) to share their own positive experiences of working with social workers, to help broaden public understanding of the role.
How You Can Support the Campaign
Whether you’re a foster carer, a young person with care experience, or simply someone who believes in fairness and respect — you can help change the script too:
- Visit the campaign page: Change the Script – Social Work England
- Share your own stories or positive experiences with social workers
- Challenge harmful stereotypes when you hear them
- Follow the conversation on social media using the hashtag #ChangeTheScript
Every voice matters in shifting the narrative.
A Shared Mission to Change the Script
At Lorimer Fostering, we know that creating positive change takes teamwork. That’s why we’re proud to stand alongside Social Work England and other partners in celebrating the compassion, professionalism, and resilience of social workers.
Let’s continue to work together — carers, agencies, social workers, and the wider community — to lift each other up, and to build a more informed, respectful, and supportive environment for everyone involved in care.
Because when we change the script, we change lives.
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