Social work organisations and charities pay tribute to HM Queen Elizabeth II

Tributes to Queen Elizabeth II have flooded social media after she passed away last week.

The Queen had been the Head of State for the United Kingdom for over 70 years, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee earlier this year.

She was the longest serving monarch in UK history and has been described as a “tireless champion” of good causes, lending her patronage to more than 600 charities and public service organisations.

The British Association of Social Workers (BASW) offered its “deepest condolences to the royal family, her friends and all those who mourn her both in the UK and abroad,” with Chair Julia Ross adding that she was “profoundly saddened” by the news.

“She will be very much missed across the four nations and indeed internationally. We wish all the Royal family and especially King Charles III the very best for the future," Ross said.

Meanwhile, the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) paid tribute to the “selfless commitment and devotion” of the royal, saying her passing “marked the end of an era”.

“Whilst most of us wouldn’t have been close, or indeed have ever met Her Majesty, the idea of the passing of a figure who has been present our entire lives, indomitably representing our nation, is one feeling and notion that is complex to comprehend. It can feel linked to responses of personal grief and loss and certainly to the loss of an era. Grief and unexpected change are difficult life challenges. There may be people close to us struggling to understand and make sense of these difficult emotions. People needing care and support may feel even more isolated. Today particularly we will stand together, be kind and understanding to one another,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We will continue working to further the interests of those of us working or needing care and support mindful of the delicate times we are all in, and paying our respects to Her Majesty and the Royal Family.”

Her Majesty also had links with hundreds of charities, professional bodies and public service organisations, many of whom also offered their condolences and thanks for her legacy.

Chief Executive of Mind, Paul Farmer CBE, said she “brought stability and reassurance to the nation”.

“During her lifetime, attitudes towards mental health have been transformed. So much has been achieved in challenging the once commonplace stigma and prejudice faced by those of us with lived experience of mental health problems. This has been a significant focus of The Royal Foundation.

“The Queen’s life of public service also epitomises the best of what we seek to do in the charity sector and our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, Action for Children said it was “proud and privileged” to have had the Queen as its patron for almost 50 years. She had long been a supporter of the charity and its children’s welfare before she took on the patronage of what was then known as, the National Children’s Home.

“We are so grateful to Her Majesty for her enduring and dedicated support of our work with children, young people and families,” the charity said, recalling a centenary message to the charity in 1969 where the Queen said: “The record of the Home over a hundred years of unremitting service to children is remarkable…and I send you my warmest good wishes for the continued success of your work.”