Organised by the School of Applied Social Studies and East London Foundation Trust (ELFT), the event bought together students, staff, social workers and local charities to celebrate social work, focusing on the theme of ‘promoting human relationships’.

The audience heard from keynote speaker Social Work consultant and Chief Executive of Daisy Bogg Consultancy Daisy Bogg, and visiting Swedish academics Pia Svennson and Ann Simmeborn Fleischer. Students studying International Social Work & Social Development at the University also presented posters at the event.

Associate Director of Social Care at ELFT Gail Dearing said: “The event for me totally reflected the themes of ‘promoting human relationships’ through the speakers and all the networking across the partner organisations taking part. The global presence enhanced things further with the Swedish speakers and the International Social Work students. It has been a pleasure to develop this event in partnership with the University.”

Visitors were able to visit stalls from the local voluntary sector, including Mind, Terence Higgins Trust, The Refugee Council, Luton Community Housing, Contextual Safeguarding, Resolutions and Think Ahead, as well as local authority and health services from across Luton and Bedfordshire.

Head of School of Applied Social Studies at Bedfordshire Dr Louise Grant said: “We’ve received great feedback about the event. The buzz in the room was fantastic and it was clear that there was a real energy around social work.”

Lecturer in Applied Social Studies Roma Thomas said: “This was a great celebration, bringing together our students, academic staff and local partners and international guests. We were truly proud to showcase how social work can make a difference locally and globally in promoting the importance of human relationships.”