Hello,

I have been a mum for the last 11 years and now my daughter is getting older 
I am thinking of going back to work, initially part time. Now I have not 
worked for 12 years, but I do have a Science degree and for the last 6 
months i have been doing volunteer work of a few hours a week as a 
befriender of people with mental health issues. The organisation concerned 
is happy to give me a reference.

I think I am good with people and would like to move into social services. 
Should i just contact my local social services department and explain my 
situation. I would not be adverse to doing more studying on some sort of day 
release within the social services sector - perhaps even doing the degree to 
be a social worker. Are social services quite flexible and ready to 
accomodate part time workers? Are there perhaps courses i could be doing 
now, alongside my volunteer work that would help me when I want to start 
working  within this sector?

Thanks,
Melissa