Inspiring social workers Claire and Katherine make a lasting impact in the community

On 20 September, Aotearoa Social Workers’ Day, we shine a spotlight on the unsung heroes who make a difference in the lives of others. Meet Claire McFedries and Katherine Chan, two dedicated Barnardos social workers in Christchurch whose commitment to their community has made a lasting difference to tamariki and whānau.

Claire McFedries: A passionate advocate for whānau

Claire is one of Barnardos' Child and Family Services LEAP Social Workers. LEAP is one of Barnardos' Child and Family Services, offering support to whānau and tamariki who are facing multiple challenges. Claire supports those whānau and tamariki to help them thrive through those challenges. The passion for helping people ignited when Claire was 15 years old.

"I have always been that person people liked to talk to. I come from a family of teachers and social workers, so being able to listen, help, and empathise with people has been embedded in me growing up," says Claire.

Recognising social work as her calling, Claire pursued her training two decades ago and has been making a difference ever since.

One of Claire's success stories involved a client who had faced significant distress with previous service providers and had lost trust in the system. Initially hesitant to work with Claire, the client eventually opened up and saw the positive impact Claire was making by advocating for their needs. Claire's dedication to supporting families and being trusted by them is what fuels her passion for social work.

"Social work is all about supporting whānau and helping them make positive changes. I am in a position where I can hear their stories and be trusted to hear them. It really is a privilege to be a part of their journey," says Claire.

Some of Claire’s duties as a LEAP social worker involve enabling whānau to reach their goals, providing children safety programmes, and keeping whānau safe from violence.

Katherine Chan: Cultural understanding and empathy

Katherine Chan, a Barnardos LEAP Social Worker, was born and raised in Borneo, Malaysia, and traces her passion for social work back to her parents' involvement in the Chinese community. Moving to New Zealand as a teenager, she experienced culture shock but used her own background to empathise with clients who faced similar challenges.

"I am able to help our Chinese-speaking clients as I understand the barriers they may be facing. I am currently working with a Chinese family, and they have a complex and high-needs child. It’s been hard for them, so I provide support and encouragement because I understand from a cultural perspective how difficult it is for them," says Katherine.

Katherine's background has also instilled in her a strong sense of duty towards her community. She is aware of the unique challenges faced by individuals from different cultures, such as not having English as a first language, discrimination, and the stigma surrounding mental health.

"Being able to advocate for whānau, especially with a language barrier, is one of the highlights of being a social worker. I am able to give them the tools and strategies to help them solve challenges and issues they face daily."