Mary Stewart
Mary Stewart, who in 1895 became the first almoner in the United Kingdom, was a trained Charity Organisation Society worker, experienced in assessing needs and accessing resources - skills still required. A woman of tact, compassion and quiet determination, she gradually overcame the suspicions of the medical staff. Assistants were appointed; volunteer helpers came forward. The experiment proved successful and cost effective. By 1903 almoners, including one man, had been appointed to discuss the problems and possibilities of the work and for mutual support, forming the Hospital Almoners Committee - the first professional social work association and the forerunner of the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).
Joan Baraclough, BASW
ifsw newsletter 2/1995
Joan Baraclough, BASW
ifsw newsletter 2/1995
page last updated on 28.11.2005