A distinct lack of social workers in Richmond means those who take up the role are guaranteed a job for life.

There is currently a national shortage and a recruitment officer has been specially appointed by the council in an attempt to address the problem.

Valerie Clark, the new recruitment and retention manager, explained: "Richmond decided to fund this post. They realise the importance of having good social workers."

Mrs Clark is solely reponsible for attracting new social workers into the borough, which means she has to promote the role.

Earlier this month a national recruitment campaign was launched to find more people suited to the job. The Richmond and Twickenham Times went to meet a member of the Twickenham and Whitton social services team.

Simone Hallett, 31, has been a social worker in Richmond for four years. She completed a degree in social work before working for three years in her native Australia.

She explains: "I wanted to work in a profession where I would be able to work with people to create a more positive change in their lives. I have always been interested in mental health and always interested in social justice. So social work is a profession which seemed an obvious choice."

Miss Hallett's current position sees her working as a senior care manager where she provides assessment and support services for people who are at risk in the community.

She explained: "We enable people to continue to live at home and to promote independence and work with support agencies. Ww work very closely with carers providing respite."

Recent changes initiated by the government mean Miss Hallett's service is in the process of being integrated with other health workers to create a social and health care team where she will work alongside district nurses and GPs.

She describes the move as exciting, saying: "You see a really positive difference and contribution which you can make."

But she says: "I think the negative aspects of social work are picked up on by the press. The positive work doesn't get the coverage it should do.

"I think there is an association that social work is with children.

"It is certainly associated with child protection, but that is just one factor of social work. We work with people in a huge variety of situations."

Recently the professionalism of the social worker has increased with the General Social Care Council (GSCC) setting qualification and registration requirements. Miss Hallett insists their purpose is to respect people's wishes, which often means helping them to stay at home.

One case she highlights was of a woman, disabled due to illness, who was being cared for by her husband.

She explains: "When we became involved six months ago the situation was almost at breaking point.

"He was not managing as a carer and she was feeling very distressed and it was having a negative impact on her illness. Since that time we have been able to introduce a lot of changes and support them."

Changes include giving carers a break and the support they require.

Social work covers a wide range of areas but Miss Hallett believes an ideal candidate for the job is dedicated and likes working with people.If you are interested in finding out more about social work contact Valerie Clark on 8891 7429.