Northern Ireland Social Care Council

04/08/2026

A career that grows with you 💛

When Danielle volunteered with young carers, she discovered a passion for supporting people that would shape the rest of her career.

Since then, she has worked across a range of social care services while continuing to learn and develop professionally along the way.

Today, as a Registered Manager at Mertoun Park, she leads the short breaks service and is preparing to continue her postgraduate studies this autumn.

Danielle's story shows that social care isn't just a job, it's a career filled with opportunities to learn, progress and make a lasting difference.

To read Danielle’s story, visit: https://niscc.info/danielles-journey-centred-on-creating-real-changes-for-those-who-need-care/

Danielle Lennon still remembers walking through town with a woman she was supporting in her early years as a social care practitioner. It should have been a simple community visit, part of everyday life. Instead, it became a moment that Belfast Health and Social Care Trust based Danielle has never f...

04/08/2026

there is still time to reserve your place for our upcoming Lunchtime Seminars.

These seminars provide a space for the social work and social care community to come together, share learning and explore topics that matter in practice, such as our September seminars around cancer and mental health as well as short-breaks fostering.

Just visit our events page for all Lunchtime Seminar details and to reserve your place. www.niscc.info/events

30/07/2026

We're pleased to share that our Annual Report and Accounts 2025-26 is now published and available on our website.

This report covers a year of significant achievement for us and and for the social work and social care workforce across Northern Ireland. From maintaining the registration of more than 49,000 practitioners to delivering over 150 engagement events – it reflects the dedication of our staff, registrants, partners and stakeholders.

Read the full report at: https://niscc.info/our-annual-report-and-accounts-for-2025-26-is-now-published/

30/07/2026

Social farming brings people together on working farms to build skills, confidence, and community connection. This session, presented by Rural Support will give you a grounded understanding of how the model works, the difference it makes for individuals and communities, and how it can complement the social care services and support pathways you already work with.

Find out more about this on: 6 October, 2026, 12-1.30pm - just click this link - https://niscc.info/events/lunchtime-seminar-social-farming-a-community-based-option-for-people-you-support/.

29/07/2026

Brand new Care to chat episode out now, 'What social care means to us - Our family's story.'

What does social care really mean to families?

In this moving episode, sisters Janeen Stevenson and Deena Nimick share how compassionate home care helped their parents, Edna and Jim, remain together at home supported by dedicated social care professionals who became “like extended family.”

A powerful story of love, dignity and the life-changing difference great social care can make.
If you’ve ever cared for a loved one or work in social care, this episode is a must-listen.

Listen to the episode here >> https://niscc.info/new-podcast-episode-what-social-care-means-to-us-our-familys-story/

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Centre for Independent Living NI - CILNI

28/07/2026

Leading health and leading practice - discover the Social Work Leadership Framework and updates with this Lunchtime Seminar.

📅Wednesday, 30 September, 12-1.30pm

This free seminar will give an understanding of the purpose and structure of the Social Work Leadership Framework an ensure participants are familiar with the Leading Self and Leading Practice online modules and know how to access them.

Find out more and reserve your place here - https://niscc.info/events/lunchtime-seminar-bite-size-leading-self-and-leading-practice/

28/07/2026

Not many careers let you change someone's life every single day.

What began as a short placement over 30 years ago became a lifelong career in social care for Emmett.

From supporting people experiencing homelessness to leading services for the deaf community, his journey has been shaped by connection.

Now a Service Manager, Emmett supports people through life’s challenges, helping them feel heard, understood and supported every step of the way.

To read Emmett’s story, visit: https://niscc.info/emmetts-story-of-a-career-built-on-kindness/

What started as a social care placement opportunity for Emmett McConomy over 30 years ago has become a lifelong commitment to supporting people through important moments of their lives. Emmett has worked across homelessness services, residential care and specialist deaf services, experiencing first-...

27/07/2026

New episode this Wednesday

Episode 5 of the Care to Chat Podcast Series 4: “What Social Care Means to Us – Our Family’s Story”

Many families face home care for the first time without knowing what to expect. In this moving episode, Deena Nimick and Janeen Stevenson share how social care supported their late mum, Edna, and 91-year-old dad, Jim Gordon, to remain at home together when they needed care.

Joined by Hayley Todd from the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust’s Home Care Team, and host Dr Wendy Austin, the conversation explores the impact of compassionate social care and why talking about future care wishes early can make all the difference.

Listen from this Wednesday, and catch up on previous episodes here >> https://niscc.info/care-to-chat-podcast/.

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust Centre for Independent Living NI - CILNI Department of Health NI

24/07/2026

Have you signed up for your next Lunchtime Seminar yet?

Lunchtime Seminars provide free, expert-led learning for social work and social care professionals. You will fill the latest in policy, practice and research in these free seminars that are available to anyone to join.

You can find all Seminars on our events page here - https://ow.ly/Ez5m50ZpWBP - the page is updated regularly so don't forget to keep checking.