Travelling social work exhibition launches at North West Regional College in Derry

The first-ever photography exhibition capturing a rare glimpse into the daily lives of social workers across Northern Ireland launched this week in Derry.

Hosted at the North West Regional College, ‘Holding space: Inside social work’ was commissioned by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council), supported by the Department of Health, to celebrate the vital contributions of the profession.

The exhibition is part of the Social Care Council’s annual March ‘Thank you’ campaign celebrating the contribution of different roles within social work and encouraging people to consider social work as a valuable and fulfilling career choice.

Throughout the month (which coincides with World Social Work Day, March 17 2026) the Social Care Council share stories and encourages others to do so, about the different aspects of social work for which we can be thankful for.

Tracy Reid, Chief Executive Social Care Council, said: “Northern Ireland has over 6,900 social workers, who are a vital part of the communities they serve. As the regulator of the profession, we support this ‘Thank you’ campaign each year to recognise the contribution social workers make and show the true spirit of the social work profession.

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“This year the Holding space: Inside Social Work exhibition presents powerful images that are a brief snapshot of the contribution made by social workers and give real context to the work they do for us all.

“Independent photographer Rory Moore worked with the Social Care Council to capture real social workers as they go about their work with people of every age, in the places and moments when their support is needed most. It showcases just some of the work taking place across the health and social care, justice, education and community and voluntary sectors inviting attendees to pause, reflect and learn more about the role of social work.

“We encourage people to take time to go and see this exhibition to understand the difference social work is making.”

Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health added: “World Social Work Month is an important time each year for us to pause and recognise the extraordinary commitment, compassion and professionalism shown by social workers across Northern Ireland. I am especially delighted that this year’s celebrations include the ‘Holding space: Inside social work’ exhibition.

“These images offer a rare and authentic window into the realities of practice – capturing social workers in the places and spaces where it matters most and highlighting the diversity of roles they undertake across health and social care, justice, education, and the community and voluntary sectors. I would encourage everyone to check it out when it comes a location near you.”

Kicking off at the North West Regional College this week until March 12, it will then travel to the South West College Dungannon (March 18 – March 27) and then after Easter ending at Belfast Metropolitan College (April 13 – April 24).

Dr Catherine O'Mullan, Director of Curriculum and Academic Standards, North West Regional College welcomed the exhibition to its first location at the college, saying: “We are proud to be the first host of the ‘Holding space: Inside social work’ here at the North West Regional College. This is a powerful exhibition that shines a light on the remarkable work social workers carry out every day across our communities.

“The images offer our students, staff and visitors a unique opportunity to reflect on the what social work is and the vital role it plays in supporting people at every stage of life. We are delighted to partner in this initiative and to help open conversations, inspire future careers, and celebrate the professionalism and dedication of social workers across Northern Ireland.”

Are you interested in a career as a social worker?

To train to be a social worker in Northern Ireland you need to complete the Honours Degree in Social Work. Check out our Interested in becoming a social worker? page for more information.

The social work month ‘Thank you’ campaign will continue throughout the month of March. As well as the photography exhibition it will feature first-person stories of social workers and their journey throughout their career. You can find out more about the campaign and digital resources here.