“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” - Cicero

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life.  Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins

“The deepest craving of human nature is the need to be appreciated.”  William James

Cicero, Cousins and James spoke wise words. Every day each and every one of us has an opportunity to express our gratitude to another of our fellow human beings.  At Horizon we end our working day by writing about at least one moment we were grateful for…it only takes 5 minutes, but the impact is extraordinary (we highly recommend it as a daily habit!).

What are you grateful for?  Who are you grateful to have in your life?  Imagine how much better our daily lives, relationships (and indeed the world!) could be if we all expressed our gratitude, deliberately, specifically and regularly. Whether with our families, friends, co-workers, the bus driver or barista, let’s take the time to share our gratitude.  A kind word, genuine praise and encouragement can quite literally change the course of one’s life.

To all the people who have called and e-mailed to share their gratitude with us, we say a heartfelt THANK YOU.  You have enriched our lives to the extent that words can’t adequately express. We have amassed what we affectionately call The LOVE File and there are just too many to list here, but we want you to know how much we appreciate your thoughtfulness – it makes our day!  Below is just a selection.

ADVERTISERS


“Thank you for your expedient support in placing our locum advertisement. We have had several responses and the position has now been filled.”

“I’ll be sure to use it next time we have a vacancy for a counsellor!”

“Every time I talk with you guys, you are so nice!”

“ABSOLUTLEY PERFECT! You did a wonderful job, thank you.”

“You have been so helpful today – I really appreciate it.”

“The site looks great!! Well done!!”

“Many thanks for your kind assistance.”

“Thank you, you are doing a grand job.”

“Thanks very much for all the trouble you have gone to – it is very kind of you to set all this up for us, I really do appreciate it.”

JOBSEEKERS


“I did not expect such a great outcome from a phone call.  I have been going around in circles and feeling so alone in this.  I’m almost in tears.  This is a great service.” – Lara, Tasmania

“Thank you for your kind thoughts. Sometimes people are able to say just the right thing that touches our heart and you have done that for me this morning as I read your email.”

“This was my very first contact with the AASW and I am so impressed…I can now say how great you guys are!  Thank you so much!! You are amazing. I will keep you posted and really, thank you it was so great talking to you…you were so helpful!!!” - (Student, VIC)

“I am so impressed with AASW's information, helpfulness and responsiveness.  The information you have sent me is most helpful.” – Vanessa Richards, Zambia

“Thank you for the great service that Horizon has been providing. It is an exciting development, and I am finding it to be a great supplement to existing channels for looking for alternative employment opportunities.”

“I congratulate the great service you are providing and the professional standard of the site is really impressive. It really is giving Social Work an up market image that has been sorely missing. Great work and continuing success.”

“Thanks so much for all that info. It’s great how we just stumble across the right thing at the right time isn't it? It was lovely to speak to you also and definitely brightened my day and the shot to my confidence in stepping out was much appreciated.”

“Thank you so much for your email. The contents are really valuable information that need particular attention. So nice of you, you deserve my admiration! I'll follow your advice closely and I'm sure it will work out.” (UK)

“First of all thanks for your quick response and then for the heaps of information provided by you helping me to find a suitable job. I was also impressed by examples quoted by you to make a positive impact on the person I intend to be in touch with. These things make a lot of difference in one’s life yet often neglected.” (India)

“I am really grateful to you for your guidance.  I will surely use the information given…and sure this will make me a better person.” – Arti Kadam, India

“An awesome response. Prompt, efficient and encouraging.”

“I must thank you again Lyndal, for your advice, time and listening (reading!) my ideas. You have been truly a great help.”

“I have so enjoyed reading the information mentioned in your email. Many thanks for sharing your knowledge and time.”

“Thank you so much for the email…I can learn so much from you!!”

“Many thanks for your support it does make things easier for moving forward and connection making.”

“Your career site is brilliant so thanks for that service, I am looking forward to job hunting…in areas I am passionate about.”

PUBLICATIONS


"Just a quick note to say thank you for the e-alerts. I enjoy reading the quotes and whatever bits of wisdom you have to offer. This in addition of course to seeing the many fantastic Social Work positions across Australia and the world. It makes me excited to be a recent Social Work graduate and finally joining the field!"

CAREER COUNSELLING


“Social work sucked and I wanted out.  I could wax lyrically and vocally about social workers, the environments in which they were expected to work, the way they treat each other and economic rationalism. None of which helped. It is interesting when you keep looking, life has a way of turning up the very thing that you need.

My life raft was the AASW Horizon Career Centre.  It offered  career counselling and a process whereby I was able to find a spark  of hope in myself.  Rather than dwell on the negatives and the current state of social work I was offered a counselling process that encouraged me to reflect on 11 questions that were purposeful and positive.   

There were no thunderbolts from heaven or choruses of Hallelujah heard by me. Rather the gems, which were going to be the foundation for rekindling my spark and spirit for social work, were discovered and carefully brushed free, much like artifacts on a historic site.  The discovery was generously facilitated by the gentle persistence, experience and unshakeable faith of the Centre Manager, Amanda Vos.

Amanda, I would like to let you know that I have really appreciated all your time. I also appreciate that the value of this work is based upon all the work you have done throughout your life to get you to this point. I have been very fortunate that you have cared for yourself enough to undertake the task. Your assistance has helped me beyond what I most probably could put into words without sounding like someone from ‘Days of Our Lives’. Thank goodness the AASW has had the foresight to commence this service and employ such a remarkable social worker to develop it.” – JD, Qld

 “I am writing to express my appreciation to access the career counselling provided by the AASW. As a social worker working in a charitable organisation dominated by the nursing profession, I found it so beneficial to receive that support from a fellow social worker. So often, in my experiences, I have found that as a profession, we are not necessarily as supportive of each other as we could be; and in times where we may be questioning our professional role and future, this service is vital. I think it is excellent that the “average member” of the AASW can access this service and feel a connection with the AASW, that I know I have previously struggled to find. The service recognises that our role can be very challenging and at times we need that guidance. I feel that this service over time, will increase the retention rates within Social Work.”  - Jacqui, NSW

“I know good skills when I hear them, and Amanda has excellent skills.” “I did enjoy exchanging thoughts and it was great to be heard so sensitively by you. I was impressed.”

“Thank you for your time and information both on the day and subsequently.  I feel you are doing a great job for social workers in all their various forms.”