Skills for Care Dedicates April to #CelebratingSocialCare for Fifth Year

Skills for Care has launched the fifth annual #CelebratingSocialCare campaign, dedicating the entire month of April 2026 to recognising and honouring the vital work carried out by social care professionals across England.

Since its inception in 2022, the campaign has grown into one of the sector’s most eagerly anticipated annual celebrations, with care organisations, frontline workers, and those who draw on care and support all invited to participate throughout April.

The campaign, which runs across Skills for Care’s website, social media platforms and wider communications channels, aims to amplify the voices of those working in social care by sharing good news stories, celebrating individual and organisational achievements, and shining a spotlight on the profound difference the sector makes to people’s lives every day.

Professor Oonagh Smyth CBE, Chief Executive of Skills for Care, marked the campaign launch with a video message in which she underlined the significance of the initiative. “I’m so excited to say that we’re now in our fifth year of dedicating the whole month of April to #CelebratingSocialCare,” she said. “Social care has such a big impact on all our lives — from people working in social care to people drawing on care and support, to family, friends and our communities. We know that people who work in social care are really skilled and really passionate professionals, and this month is a dedicated opportunity to honour that work.”

Care providers and staff are being encouraged to get involved on social media by sharing shoutouts to colleagues and those they support, highlighting recent initiatives or organisational achievements, reporting on events and activities run within their teams, and celebrating their own professional accomplishments. Skills for Care is also encouraging workers to reflect on and share what they value most about their careers in social care.

Voices from across the sector have spoken powerfully about why the campaign matters. One contributor noted that celebrating social care means “recognising the heart and soul that every staff member brings into the lives of the people we support,” adding that every small achievement — “a smile, a regained confidence, a moment of independence” — deserves to be honoured. “It reminds us all that social care is not just a service, but a relationship built on trust, respect, and compassion,” they said.

Others echoed this sentiment, with one respondent describing the campaign as being “about more than just recognition — it’s about valuing the incredible work staff do, boosting morale, and inspiring excellence,” while another emphasised that celebrating social care “makes staff feel valued, listened to and heard,” and equally empowers those who draw on support to feel more engaged in their own care.

To assist organisations and individuals in joining the celebrations, Skills for Care has produced a dedicated resource pack containing social media images, suggested posts, email banners, selfie cards, a blog template, and a range of ideas for April activities that can be run within teams or alongside the people they support.

Residential and nursing care providers wishing to take part and access the full suite of supporting materials are encouraged to visit: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/celebratingsocialcare