20/03/2026
On , SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity's Natalie Williamson speaks to managers in the RAF Personal Support & Social Work Service (RAF PS&SWS), to share their experiences and why this role is not just a job, but a vocation.
SSAFA's Social Work Team Leads Jayne Whitcher and Karen Woodcock, and Regional Service Managers Joanne Harper and Shani Stumke share what inspired them to train as social workers and their rewarding moments and advice for their teams and future social workers. We also hear from Head of Service Cathie Johnson about the positive impact of the RAF PS&SWS.
SSAFA's Social Work Team Leads and Regional Service Managers are all qualified and experienced social workers who use their wealth of knowledge and experience to support our Welfare Officers. While also ensuring the practical and emotional support received by serving Air Force personnel and their families is of a high quality.
Natalie kicks off the discussion by asking Jayne and Shani what inspired them to become social workers.
Jayne says: "I have always had a desire to advocate, promote independence and make positive changes for vulnerable people. This job enabled me to do exactly that. I always feel that it is a privilege when individuals welcome you into their lives and accept support."
Shani always knew growing up that she wanted to do something more - an inherent need to help people or make things better for them in some way. "When I discovered what social work actually was, there was no doubt in my mind that this would be my career choice."
Joanne, Karen and Cathie speak about the most rewarding parts of their role.
"Having been a social worker for a long time, I’ve worked with lots of people, from different faiths, communities, countries, all of whom bring individual life experiences to the table and therefore unique perspectives. It is this aspect of the role that is the most enjoyable as you learn so much from working with other people," Joanne explains.
Karen says that she values being able to continue hands-on casework while also leading and supporting an amazing team to achieve positive changes for those in need of help.
Cathie says: "I love working with and alongside the RAF community - knowing that we are providing support, guidance and interventions to those that need it in a way that suits them. We are independent of the chain of command and a confidential service. Being able to provide information and having an excellent working relationship with key RAF personnel makes my role both enjoyable and very rewarding."
Natalie asks for some memorable moments from their respective social worker roles.
Joanne says: "One memory that really stands out is being part of a family's adoption journey from beginning to end, which resulted in children being successfully matched with a family."
Karen explains how one of her first cases with SSAFA involved supporting a family whose daughter had been diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 1 and had a poor prognosis. She was already using a wheelchair and tube-fed, and required 24-hour care. Karen was able to secure more than £35,000 in funds to provide essential aids and adaptations to their home, significantly improving quality of life for the whole family.
Looking ahead, Natalie asks for the best advice they have for colleagues and those hoping to move into the social worker role.
"I would always advise a team to build a trusting relationship with those who come to us for support, be consistent, validate the person's feelings and offer good and researched advice. Always see the person not the issue and make sure you enable people to resolve their issues and concerns. Always look after your own wellbeing to prevent fatigue and burnout," says Jayne.
Cathie adds: "Trust your instincts - if something doesn't feel right, check it out."
Shani says: "We deal with such a variety of things from simple and straightforward issues to very complex and intense situations. My two pieces of advice would be don’t under-estimate your gut-instinct and to take care of your own well-being. Protecting your own mental health is equally important. I love my job! If I had to make my career choice again, I wouldn’t do anything different."
To all social workers today, we thank you for your dedication and passion for supporting others.
