Meet our student social worker: Lee.

Personal Details

Name: Lee Deniston

Town: Manchester

Occupation: Student Social Worker

Age: 31

Student social worker, Lee at the Together Trust's central office. 

About your current role.

Together Trust Service: Fostering 

Length of time in current role: 6 month placement

What do you do in your current role?

I support Foster Carers who offer a placement to children and young people who cannot live at home. I conduct regular supervisions, helping them to reflect; address issues; and identify training needs. I also meet the young people to make sure they are happy, and liaise with their social workers as part of a multidisciplinary team. My role also involves working on an F1 assessment (Foster Carer application) and will present the finished assessment to the panel. Through supporting the duty team, I am gaining experience dealing with new referrals from local authorities. I try to match the child with a potential carer, looking at their needs and assessing any risks. Safeguarding is a priority for the entire team, and I work with families and children in placement to limit the risk of any harm, and deal with any issues that may arise.
How many hours a week do you volunteer? 32

About Placement

What made you want to complete your placement with Together Trust?
I’ve always worked in the voluntary sector as I like the freedom you have to be inventive and try new ideas and ways of working. Budgets are often tight so you have to think outside the box to get the job done. I read the fostering services OFSTED report and statement of purpose before the interview and the organisations values and work ethos shone through. These felt right for me. After my interview and meeting the staff, I knew it was definitely the right placement.

What’s the best thing about completing a placement at the Together Trust?

So far I have been included within the team and treated equally. My opinions and contributions have been listened to and valued. I’ve been really busy and the day goes really fast. I have my own workload to manage but have lots of support from my Practice Educator and colleagues.

What would you say to someone who was thinking about applying?

Go for it! You have nothing to lose but everything to gain. You will come away with new skills and improved confidence, increasing your chances of finding employment.

For information about any volunteering opportunities with the Together Trust or for more information about the Together Trust Fostering Service please visit our website.