Mental Health Professionals honoured in World Social Work Day national campaign - Feddit UK

As part of World Social Day on 17 March, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Emergency Duty Team (EDT) and Approved Mental Health Professionals (AMHPs), will feature in the British Association of Social Workers (BASW) social media campaign throughout March. Last year, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Emergency Duty Team, responded to around 10,000 referrals into the service for adults and children. The AMHPs within the service carried out over 800 emergency Mental Health Act Assessments across Bedfordshire. The AMHPs are an integral part of the Emergency Duty Team, which is a tri-borough service hosted by Central Bedfordshire Council, and covers Luton and Bedford Borough Council. It is responsible for any reports or concerns related to children or adults. The service operates out of hours, 365 days of the year. The EDT AMHPs were nominated to feature in BASW social media campaign for the amazing and significant work they do. The AMHPs manages some of the most complex and high-risk situations in mental health care. Operating during evenings, nights, and weekends, the team responds to urgent Mental Health Act assessments, often in unpredictable environments where risks to people and the public are significant. Their work demands rapid decision-making, safeguarding vulnerable people while balancing legal, ethical, and clinical considerations under pressure. Natalie Oatham, Emergency Duty Team and Mental Health Service Manager Lead AMHP, said: “Every shift is different and can be challenging but so rewarding. What I like most about being an AMHP and what many of my colleagues like is the valuable and important work we do in people’s lives. We make decisions that have a real impact and protects both the public and people we support. “Many people don’t realise the role we play in keeping people safe and well. We get called to attend at critical points in people’s lives and make decisions that are crucial in them getting better. It’s a privilege to be involved in their journeys and it is so wonderful to be acknowledged in this campaign to let people know more about the important work we do.” Cllr Mark Smith, Executive Member for Adult Social Care, said: “A huge congratulations to our EDT AMPHs team. This recognition is thoroughly deserved. They are the quiet heroes within our community, supporting people through some of the most serious mental health challenges. The volume of work they undertook last year alone reflects their dedication, and commitment to providing high‑quality care for the most vulnerable. They care, protect and stand beside those who need them the most, and that is why it is so fitting to celebrate them on World Social Work Day and shine a spotlight on the remarkable work they do.” The team were chosen to feature in BASW campaign because in the nomination form, an anonymous person, said: “The AMHPs consistently go above and beyond expectations. They collaborate seamlessly with emergency services, hospitals, and families to ensure timely responses that prevent harm and uphold human rights. Despite challenging circumstances, such as limited resources, heightened emotional distress, and time-critical decisions, they maintain professionalism, compassion, and resilience. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to quality care and their ability to adapt to any situation. Their dedication, expertise, and teamwork make them not only an asset to the service but the best example of what outstanding mental health practice looks like”. * Report concerns about the safety or welfare of a vulnerable adult or child [https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/18/health_and_social_care/335/protecting_vulnerable_adults_from_harm] – including mental health or safeguarding concerns. * More information on mental health support in Central Bedfordshire [https://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/info/18/health_and_social_care/325/mental_health]