Call for Health Minister to increase financial support for social work students
The student bursary has not been increased in more than twenty years.
There have been calls for Minister for Health Mike Nesbitt to increase financial support for social work students.
Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before profit) underscored the fact the student bursary for social work students had not increased in more than 20 years.
Cllr Harkin said: "I recently attended a 'Cost of Living, Cost of Learning' student-led conference at Magee supported by the Ulster University Social Work department and trade unions to highlight financial pressures and poverty faced by Social Work students.
"Students at the conference spoke passionately on why they had chosen to become social workers, but also described the financial challenges they face as they juggle study, work and family responsibilities. The student bursary hasn't been increased in more than twenty years.
"People Before Profit back the campaign to address issues of disparity and equality social work students face. I've written to the Health Minister calling on him to increase the Student Incentive Scheme to a minimum of £7,000 and the travel allowance to £1,000, and for the Department of Health to review this annually based on inflation and all relevant costs.
"Social Workers are essential workers. The pressures on them today are rising, and we have too few to meet demand and society's needs. Therefore, it's crucial for social work students to be properly supported. It's time for the Health Minister to heed the call from students, lecturers and trade unions representing social workers and increase financial support for social work students."