AN inspirational former student who is making a difference to the lives of others through her role and research will share her experiences with social work students.

Stacey Davidson, 41, from Grappenhall, works as a modern slavery case worker and will graduate with an MA in social work from the University of Chester after completing her studies at University Centre Warrington. She will receive her award during the university’s graduation ceremonies this month at Chester Cathedral.

As well as raising her own young family during her studies, Stacey also cared for her father who was diagnosed with terminal cancer and completed her placement just six days before he died.

She is now sharing her knowledge with others and will discuss her experiences with Social Work students about working as a Modern Slavery Case Worker.

Despite all her challenges, Stacey said that supporting the most vulnerable in society, along with the help of her lecturers, enabled her to keep going during the hardest times.

Stacey said: “I wanted to study social work for a number of years after experiencing some challenges of my own. I first went to an open day at the University of Chester in 2013, and then topped up my original degree to honours level with the Open University, in order to be able to apply for the MA.

“Over the years I have worked in mental health, criminal justice and more recently, drug and alcohol services and I felt that being a social worker was my calling. During Covid I felt that it was now or never, so I finally applied. I had heard positive things about the social work course at Warrington and being able to study in my hometown when I have a young family appealed to me.

“My dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer and given eight weeks to live whilst I was on my first placement. It was a very difficult time - caring for him, looking after two young children and facing the fact that we were going to lose him. I found that continuing to go into placement and offer support to some of the most vulnerable people in society helped me to keep going. My onsite supervisor was really understanding and I felt supported all the way through, which made it more bearable. I also knew that my dad wanted me to carry on, so I completed placement six days before he died.

“There were a number of tutors that offered support when I was considering leaving the course after my dad passed away. Without their support I don't think I could have carried on, and will be forever grateful to Bridget Caffrey, Emily Weygang and Gill Buck for believing in me when I didn't.”

Stacey focused her dissertation on how the Twelve Steps programme from Alcoholics Anonymous addresses the factors underlying substance misuse, with a particular focus on female service users, and how this might support social work practice.

Dr Gill Buck, associate professor in social work, said: “Stacey has been an outstanding social work student who has secured a job as a modern slavery case worker and agreed to return and talk to students about this work. She also wrote an excellent dissertation which made an impact on local social work practice.

“Stacey is bright, reflective and caring, and will make an outstanding social worker.”