Welcome to Community Care Live 2024

Shungu Chigocha is an experienced social worker with a strong background in promoting best practices and creating high-challenge, supportive learning environments. With a deep commitment to advocating for equity, equality, diversity, and inclusion, Shungu has dedicated her career to empowering individuals and communities through effective social work practices. Throughout her career, she has consistently championed initiatives that foster inclusive environments, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, can access the support and opportunities they need to thrive. Shungu is passionate about driving positive change and remains committed to advancing the field of social work through education, advocacy, and practice.

I am the Principal Social Worker for Children Education and Families Directorate in Cambridgeshire County Council. I have 17 + years of experience as a qualified Social Worker. I was born in Zimbabwe and moved to England when I was a teenager. When I think about my Social GRACES, I see the PSW role in the lens of African village where the community is at the heart of everything. The PSW’s role in the community is one of a facilitator within the village and to support the community to adopt the values of Ubuntu-  The ties that bind people together are strong, the welfare of everyone is paramount and there is an interconnectedness of the community. There is an African proverb that says, “it takes a village to raise a child”. Everyone in the village is important and we all have a part to play to ensure that we offer the children and families a good service.

Louise is a Principal Social Worker at Telford and Wrekin Council Children’s Services a main part of this role is strategic lead for practice development across Children’s Services.

Louise has a commitment, passion and experience of working alongside children, young people and their families to co-produce innovative approaches to practice development and service delivery.

Louise has 16 years’ experience of statutory children’s Social Work within various frontline and managerial roles. Louise also has experience of practicing as an Independent Social Worker across the West Midlands Region.

Louise is the current co-chair of the West midlands Regional PSW network and has maintained this role for 18 months.

Louise is the incoming Co-chair of the National PSW network and commences this role in September 2024.

Louise has a passion for engaging in practice development from a trauma transformational lenses.