Empowering others through compassionate Social Work

Meet Sam Stroud, a dedicated Social Worker from Cardiff and Vale, whose journey into social care began with a deeply personal experience and has since evolved into a career built on empathy, resilience, and advocacy.

From personal experience to professional purpose

Sam’s path into social work was inspired by her grandfather’s hospital experience, where a lack of communication and support left her family feeling powerless.

“We were that family,” she recalls,

“wanting answers, needing guidance, and not feeling heard.” That moment sparked a determination in Sam to ensure other families wouldn’t feel the same.

“Even if I could help one family, it would be worth it.”

Starting as a temporary social work assistant in a hospital team, Sam secured a permanent role in 2011 and worked across all hospitals in her local authority. In 2024, she completed her Social Work degree while balancing full-time work, a challenging but rewarding milestone.

This year, Sam transitioned to a new role within adult services, joining the First Point of Contact team. Here, she conducts well-being assessments for individuals accessing adult services for the first time – often during vulnerable and uncertain moments. Her work involves home visits, phone calls, multi-agency collaboration, and supporting those around the person being assessed.

Sam says.

“I strive to ensure their first experience of support is a positive one.

By actively listening, involving those who matter most to them, and advocating on their behalf, I aim to provide care that is empowering, compassionate, and responsive.”

Making a difference

One of Sam’s most impactful cases involved a vulnerable adult with undiagnosed learning difficulties who faced immense challenges after the loss of their mother. Alone in a large home and burdened in debt, they were referred to the Salvation Army.

Through consistent support and collaboration with their allocated support worker, Sam helped them transition to a more suitable living environment and introduced routines that supported their independence. She built trust slowly, using phone calls and texts before meeting in person, and worked toward meaningful outcomes.

Individual's outcome was:

“I know I can learn new things… I’ll be able to provide for myself and my fiancée. I’m going to be brave!”

With tailored support, they learned to cook, manage household tasks, and handle correspondence. Sam also explored long-term financial support through the Friendly Trust to prevent future exploitation. Their confidence grew visibly with each visit, and today, they proudly captain a snooker team and enjoys life with their 13-year-old dog.

Why Sam stays in Social Work

Sam shares:

“No two days are the same.

Some days it doesn’t even feel like a job. I enjoy it so much.” She values the mentor groups and collaborative, strength-based practice that encourages meaningful conversations and continuous learning.