The Association of Palliative Care Social Workers was proposed in 1986 and initiated in 1987. It was known then as the Association of Hospice Social Workers (AHSW). Social, both in hospices and emerging palliative care community teams was becoming increasingly specialized. Our first chair was Elizabeth Earnshaw-Smith, a pioneer in palliative care social work.
It was agreed that an association of social workers would foster the support, education and well being of the members, whilst representing social work within palliative care. The association would assist in maintaining social work values that promote the needs and wishes of patients, their carers and families, as the central point of our work. The social care model of care was regarded as paramount. Family work, bereavement care and welfare rights issues have always been of concern to members, as have the needs and rights of the patient. A major lobbying of Parliament by early members achieved changes to legislation which enabled terminally ill people to fast track access to financial help in the form of the Disability Living Allowance and the Attendance Allowance.
By the mid 1980s an informal regional structure had already begun to emerge whereby social workers met and shared experiences. The regional groupings were found to be an excellent way of bringing isolated lone workers together for mutual support and exchange of ideas. The regional meetings remain a strong feature of the Association. Many new social work posts have developed, in both new and existing locations and teams. An informal mentoring system (buddy groups) grew and support for new posts and individuals remains central to the strength and importance of the regional groups.
The Association current has a committee of nine officers and representatives from the eight regions. Total membership is currently over three hundred and continually increasing.
