Coronavirus-related pressures have left social care workers on the Isle of Wight facing "huge challenges".
And today is your chance to thank them for their work.
As the pandemic leaves more people in need of help, demand for adult social care services on the Island has increased.
Staff say it has left them under "huge pressure" and meant they have had to adapt.
Simon Homes, principal social worker for adult social care at the Isle of Wight Council, told Isle of Wight Radio:
"What we're seeing now as restrictions begin to ease is people who may not have come forward for support pre-COVID are now starting to make phone calls and make contact with us.
"We're seeing some people who have been isolated. Some of our frail elders have been more isolated over the past few months. We're seeing more complexity coming to our social care workers which takes a little bit more time.
"And obviously some sad situations of grief, bereavement and loss coming through as well which are social workers are having to deal with."
Today is World Social Work Day - and Islanders are being urged to pass on their thanks.
Social workers sit alongside nurses and the police.
Although they do not wear uniforms, they play a key role in supporting both adults and children.
Councillor Clare Mosdell, Cabinet member for adult social care, said:
“Social workers work tirelessly to ensure the Island’s frail elders, disabled adults and people with mental health problems are supported to live safe, fulfilling lives.
"I know from my interactions with the Island’s social workers that they champion the needs of the people they work with and are fierce advocates for social justice and inclusion.
"During the pandemic, I have encountered examples of where the intervention of a social worker has, literally, helped to save lives. So I want to add my voice to celebrating the work of social workers everywhere — and especially here on the Isle of Wight."
If you want say thanks to the Island's social care worker, you can pass on your messages via the Isle of Wight Council's social media pages.
Its Facebook page can be found here:
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