The Maltese Association of Social Workers (MASW), in collaboration with the Department of Social Policy and Social Work of the University of Malta, will be organising the first Social Work National Conference.

The conference will be held on Friday and Saturday at the Westin Dragonara Resort, St Julian's.

This two-day event, entitled "How can social work services better meet the needs of people in our communities? Social work and social cohesion in Europe", will offer a space to critically reflect and examine how social work practices and services must work in order to promote social well-being and a more cohesive society and thus better meet the needs of people in our communities.

International speakers include Professor Malcolm Payne, director of psycho-social and spiritual care, Emeritus Professor, Manchester Metropolitan University and honorary Professor, Kingston University/St George's Medical School; Professor Gabriel Kiely, University College Dublin and external examiner, University of Malta, and Ian Johnston, CEO, British Association of Social Workers. Local social workers, practitioners and academics of high standing will also present papers and run workshops during the conference.

The conference will cover the concept, values and implications of social cohesion; social work's contribution to social cohesion; different ways of working in partnerships, and good practices that contribute to social cohesion.

The main sponsor for the conference is the National Lotteries Good Causes Fund of the Ministry of Finance. Other sponsors include the University of Malta, the British Association of Social Workers, the Civil Society Fund of Forum Malta in Europe, the Ministry for the Family and Social Solidarity, the Ministry of Health and the Foundation for Social Welfare Services.

All social workers, social policy and social work students are urged to participate and contribute to this landmark event. Other professionals, service users and volunteers are very welcome.

For further information about the programme and registration contact the Maltese Association of Social Workers at masw@orbit.net.mt or visit www.masw.info.