Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1546198
7 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 16 AUGUST 2026 OPINION Daniela Camilleri Principal social worker with over 20 years of experience in social work. Views expressed are her own Why social work matters MALTA is changing rapidly. Our society today looks very different from that of a gener- ation; even a decade ago. Fam- ilies are evolving too—from more blended families to peo- ple living longer, and relatives balancing work with caring re- sponsibilities. We are also welcoming peo- ple from different countries and cultures, who enrich our communities while often facing unique challenges as they es- tablish their lives in Malta. At the same time, the rising cost of living continues to place finan- cial pressure on many house- holds, while the increasing prevalence of substance misuse together with the demand for services presents complex chal- lenges for individuals, families, and communities alike. These changes are not simply statistics. They are the realities that social workers encounter every single day. As social workers, we have the privilege and responsibili- ty of entering people's homes, listening to their stories, and witnessing circumstances that are often hidden from public view. We meet people strug- gling to make ends meet de- spite working hard. We support caregivers trying to navigate in- creasingly complex pressures, persons facing loneliness and isolation, marginalised people, people vulnerable to substance misuse, foreigners who need support and individuals whose mental well-being is profound- ly affected by the social circum- stances in which they live. As social workers, we under- stand that a person's well-be- ing is influenced by the social determinants of health—the conditions in which people are born, grow, live, work, and age. These include economic sta- bility, access to education, safe neighbourhoods and a healthy physical environment togeth- er with green spaces, access to quality healthcare, strong social and community networks, and confidence that justice is ac- cessible and fair when people's rights need to be protected. These are not abstract con- cepts. They are the everyday realities that determine wheth- er a child can reach their po- tential, whether people can continue living independently, whether a family can cope with rising costs, whether someone receives the healthcare they need, or whether a vulnerable person feels protected when seeking justice. Social workers work across all of these are- as, empowering individuals, strengthening families, con- necting communities, and ad- vocating for systems that ena- ble people not only to survive but to thrive. Social workers respond to these challenges systemically. We work with in- dividuals and families, but also with schools, healthcare ser- vices, communities, voluntary organisations, employers, and policymakers to address the wider social, economic, and en- vironmental factors that shape people's lives. Because of this, social work- ers have an important voice in shaping services and public policy. As frontline profession- als, we often recognise emerg- ing social issues before they become national concerns. We identify gaps in services, under- stand the barriers preventing people from accessing support, and witness both the challenges and the remarkable resilience that exists within our com- munities. The perspective of a social worker is built not only on professional knowledge but also on lived experience. I am encouraged by the meas- ures that have recently been introduced to strengthen and promote the social work pro- fession. These initiatives ac- knowledge the significant con- tribution social workers make to Maltese society and are posi- tive steps towards ensuring the profession remains sustainable and attractive. However, our changing so- ciety requires continued in- vestment. We need to further strengthen recruitment, educa- tion, professional development, career progression, and public recognition of the profession. Most importantly, we need to ensure that social workers are supported to practise safely and effectively, allowing them to dedicate their expertise where it matters most—with individu- als, families, and communities. I also hope that more young people will choose social work as a career and those existing social workers remain in the profession. It is a profession that challenges you intellectu- ally, enriches you personally, and offers the privilege of mak- ing a meaningful difference in people's lives every day. It is about empowering people, pro- tecting rights, promoting digni- ty, and helping build stronger, more inclusive communities. Malta's changing demograph- ics require professionals who understand the social realities shaping people's lives and who help create meaningful and lasting change. Social work- ers are uniquely placed to fulfil that role. Together, we can build a so- ciety where every person has the opportunity not only to overcome adversity but also to live with dignity, inclusion, and hope. Together, we can build a society where every person has the opportunity not only to overcome adversity but also to live with dignity, inclusion, and hope