Shannon Evans

Over the last few years before university, I continuously came across documentaries where children had been hurt or tragically killed in the hands of the people they should be able to trust the most. This was something that stayed with me and gave me the drive to complete this course so that I am able to make a difference in people’s lives, and be able to advocate for children and families who feel they are unable to advocate for themselves.

I had the opportunity to attend an open day at Edge Hill to have a look around the university and to meet the social work lecturers who informed me about all the details of this course. Edge Hill University is an amazing university, and I could tell from the open day that the lecturers were lovely and knew that they would support me as much as I needed this over my three years in university.

My favourite place on campus is the Catalyst. It’s filled with books and journals to support our wider reading and research. The lecturers always put a reading list up for our assignments, which is really helpful.

Being invited to graduation was the moment I realised all my hard work had paid off and that I am almost at the finish line to pursuing the career I have wanted to do for such a long time.

My favourite thing about my degree is the support provided throughout all three years. I have loved learning everything I need to know about the career I want to pursue. The lecturers have supported me throughout the degree, particularly as I can find writing assignments challenging. My advice to someone completing this degree would be to keep going. The degree can be challenging at times, but you will always be supported by the lecturers and it will all be worth it in the end.

I have been able to complete two different placements throughout the degree. Both have grown and developed my skills such as my confidence, resilience and determination, and have also taught me that even though social work can be a challenging career, this can also be the most rewarding career too. I have just completed my 100-day placement in a children and families assessment team for a local authority and back in April 2025, I was given an interview and managed to successfully secure a job where I will be returning to my amazing and supportive placement team as an ASYE social worker.