A social worker from Blaenau Gwent has created an award-winning app with the potential to revolutionise social services operating in Wales and beyond.
Matthew Davies, a Team Manager at Merthyr Tydfil Children’s Service, has applied his 18 years of experience to build an app that addresses the challenges faced by social and support workers as they deliver essential services.
While Matthew’s training, personal experience, and technology skills made him uniquely qualified to create the app, he also sought guidance from Business Wales at the early development stage to enhance his approach to building and launching a company.
The result was the Social Work Way app, a purpose-built platform that streamlines access to information for social and support workers.
The app simplifies processes for staff, children, and local authorities by offering features like referral forms, a feedback system, real-time legislative changes, and continuing professional development tools, including training programmes and progress tracking.
Speaking on the development of his app, Matthew said: “I began my career as a support worker in Merthyr and worked my way up to where I am now. Our work is essential, but the level of administration and paperwork can be daunting. You need to remember that this often isn’t a nine-to-five job.
“I realised that with my HND in computer science and applied networking, I had the vision to create something that could make a real difference for people working within the sector, a tool accessible 24/7. While I had the idea, I recognised the importance of seeking additional guidance to navigate the complexities of starting and running a business effectively.”
Matthew attended a workshop provided by Business Wales, which offered guidance and connected him with Blaenau Gwent Business Support for further assistance. This support helped him navigate the early stages of setting up his company.
The Business Team also suggested funding sources, including grants available through Blaenau Gwent Business Hub.
Discussing the assistance he received in the early stages of building his company, Matthew said: “The initial guidance I received from the Business Wales workshop was helpful in pointing me in the right direction. The connections made possible through that workshop have been valuable in creating the app and business.”
On a mission to make My Social Work Way the go-to app for social work in the UK and beyond, Matthew is now working to develop the platform to deliver increased functionality and professional tools. Having already received significant international interest, including enquiries from the USA, Australia and Canada, that goal could soon become a reality.
The Business Wales Team said: “Matthew was a fantastically driven entrepreneur with the will to succeed. His passion shone through from the first time we spoke, and we are delighted to see this passion paying off. It was a pleasure to be able to support Matthew on his journey through entrepreneurship as works to help those who support others.”
