Dear social workers,

Let me congratulate you on the occasion of Social Worker's Day!

We are in an unprecedented situation. Not only because Bulgaria is in a state of emergency, but also because of the increasing dividing lines between people. The expanding technological and economic opportunities have brought along both perspectives for personal accomplishment and the continuous atomisation of society.

It is social work that should improve human relations and, in an interconnected world, to make sure that, on the one hand, every person has freedom and opportunity to develop their potential and, on the other, to build a cohesive and solidarity-based society.

Your work often remains invisible, but if there's a crisis, if there's a problem, you're inevitably in the spotlight. That was the case with all the disasters our country has passed through over the years. This is also the case now when, together, we have to overcome a serious health threat – you are always among the people to give out social benefits, food, medicines, to help with advice and counselling, or just put in a good word.

Thank you for being at work and among the most deprived this last Saturday and Sunday.

Thank you for being in the homes and centres for the elderly and the disabled, in the crisis centres for the homeless and people at risk, in these difficult times. We are doing everything we can to provide the necessary amount of protective equipment, we are expecting supplies and they will be with you shortly.