17 March 2026 | The Gurkha Centre | Hayes | By Hari Bhandari
On this World Social Work Day, The Gurkha Centre proudly recognises and celebrates the invaluable contribution of our trainee social workers, whose commitment, compassion, and professional integrity continue to strengthen our mission of supporting Gurkha veterans, widows, and families across the UK.
Social work, at its core, is a profession grounded in social justice, human rights, and community empowerment. Within the Gurkha Nepalese community—where language barriers, cultural transitions, and systemic inequalities often intersect—trainee social workers play a vital role in bridging gaps between individuals and services, ensuring that no one is left unheard or unsupported.
Spotlight Profile: Neethu Rose Jose
At the heart of this year’s recognition is Neethu Rose Jose, whose journey reflects both professional excellence and a deep commitment to ethical social work practice.
Neethu brings a strong academic and professional foundation to her work. She holds a Master’s Degree in Social Work (Medical and Psychiatry), achieving a university rank, alongside an MPhil in Counselling with distinction. Her career spans over a decade of experience in community development, mental health, and work with vulnerable populations including children, older adults, and families.
Since arriving in the UK in 2024, Neethu has demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication in transitioning her international experience into the UK social work context. Through her supervised practice at The Gurkha Centre, she successfully navigated the complexities of statutory frameworks, professional standards, and culturally responsive practice.
Practice Excellence and Impact
Neethu’s placement has been characterised by a strong alignment with UK social work legislation and professional standards, including the Care Act 2014, Mental Capacity Act 2005, and safeguarding frameworks.
Her work demonstrates key areas of professional capability:
1. Safeguarding and Risk Identification
Neethu has actively identified and responded to safeguarding concerns, including cases of emotional, financial, and institutional abuse, ensuring timely referrals and multi-agency collaboration. Her practice reflects a clear understanding of statutory duties to protect adults at risk.
2. Person-Centred Assessment and Care Planning
Through holistic assessments, Neethu has supported individuals experiencing neglect, self-neglect, and exploitation. Her approach consistently prioritises dignity, autonomy, and culturally sensitive engagement, ensuring that service users remain central to decision-making processes.
3. Advocacy and Multi-Agency Working
Working across health, social care, and community systems, she has advocated for appropriate interventions, including:
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Relocation of vulnerable individuals to safer care environments
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Access to mental health and rehabilitation services
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Safeguarding interventions in cases of exploitation
Her contributions in multi-disciplinary settings highlight the importance of collaborative practice in achieving sustainable outcomes.
4. Cultural Competence and Community Engagement
A particularly significant aspect of Neethu’s work has been her ability to engage effectively with the Gurkha community. By recognising cultural values, trauma histories, and structural barriers, she has ensured that interventions are both accessible and culturally appropriate.
A Journey of Professional Transition and Achievement
Despite initial challenges in securing a supervised placement, Neethu’s perseverance led her to The Gurkha Centre, where she completed over 130 hours of supervised practice and successfully achieved professional registration with Social Care Wales in 2025.
Her journey represents a broader narrative of internationally qualified professionals navigating regulatory systems, while contributing significantly to the UK workforce.
Recognising Our Trainee Social Workers
Alongside Neethu, we also recognise the dedication of:
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Aksa Adam, who is nearing the completion of her placement and has contributed meaningfully to supporting service users and engaging with community-based interventions.
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Nelvia Devasia, who continues to demonstrate commitment, compassion, and professionalism in her work with vulnerable individuals, particularly in complex and sensitive cases.
Together, they represent the future of a diverse, inclusive, and socially responsive workforce.
Conclusion: Investing in the Future of Social Work
The Gurkha Centre remains committed to supporting trainee social workers as part of a broader vision to:
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Strengthen culturally competent practice
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Address systemic inequalities
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Promote access to health and social care for underserved communities
On this World Social Work Day, we extend our sincere appreciation to Neethu, Aksa, and Nelvia for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to social justice.
Their work not only transforms individual lives but also contributes to building a more equitable and compassionate society.
