January 3, 2020 by Carol Britton Meyer
In serving as the Town of Hingham's licensed clinical social worker, Cheryl West's role is to help residents of all ages access emergency services such as food, clothing, housing, and crisis support and to provide a compassionate listening ear and guidance related to a variety of issues and needs.
These include education and employment; family matters; health insurance; mental health, substance abuse, and legal aid referrals; support groups; and many other services.
Hingham joins a growing number of towns that are hiring municipal social workers to provide increased support for their residents and improved access to resources. "As is true in most communities, there are Hingham residents who suffer from a variety of unmet needs but are often apprehensive about seeking help," West said. "One of my goals is to be someone that folks are comfortable coming to if they need assistance."
West's approach is "a general and sincere belief that we are all doing the best we can, every day. I happen to love people and I know what it is to be human, so I think empathy and compassion play a part," she said. "Life can be complicated, scary, confusing, lonely, and frustrating, but it is also joyous and wonderful!
Sometimes we need someone to help us see that truth. We all need to care about one another. One of my favorite sayings which, for me, comes from the practice of Lojong, is, 'Be grateful to everyone.' Everyone, no matter who they are, can teach us something, and for that I am grateful."
As an individual therapist West has noticed a significant increase in anxiety and depression, not just in adults but also in children and young people -- which she finds concerning.
"Imagine for a moment being a young person and listening to what is going on in the world. It is so important that we listen –- genuinely listen –- to our children and to be present while we listen," West said. "They are usually telling you more than their words express. It is so important to help young people be comfortable with seeking help."
'We are not meant to be alone'
Loneliness is another issue that is not always obvious, according to West. "We are not meant to be alone. We need each other. Lack of affordable housing, as well as affordable supportive housing, is also concerning," she said. "This is very apparent in communities on the South Shore due to the incredible rise in housing costs.
"Even if someone is able to find affordable housing, if they have a mental health issue they need supports in place," West said.
"Stigma is a serious problem for folks diagnosed with mental health challenges. It isn’t just about housing."
While the December holiday season is behind us, more holidays lie ahead. "As I’m sure we are all aware, holidays can be very difficult for people. Reaching out to those who do not have friends and family around them is very important," West said. "Hingham is a lovely community with many people who want to help others. Sometimes the stigma of needing help prevents folks from identifying themselves as needing it."
While West thinks it's important for folks to seek help when they need it, some find this difficult to do. "No one wants to appear 'helpless' or that they may not be entirely independent. We live in a world that values independence above all else," she said. "This is contradictory to human nature. Interdependence is natural. We need each other. It is easier for folks who need help to reach out if they can see that it’s natural and that we all need help."
Wide range of services
Some of the services West has offered in her work so far include referrals for therapy, insurance applications, housing issues, education, mental health, de-cluttering, listening, support, rental disputes, and a variety of other issues encountered by Hingham residents.
"Although this position does not allow time for individual therapy, I can provide residents with information that may help in their search for a therapist and just be there as a support during their search," West said. "Because this is a new position it is being shaped every day by the needs that arise. I find myself quite busy and I love it.
"I find the work satisfying. I am part of a great team even though the [town] position is, by nature, independent. I meet wonderful people every day and, in my mind, my position is ultimately to help people to have a more wonderful life. That is my primary goal: 'How can I help this person have the best possible life?' What is not to like when that’s your goal?!"
Looking back
The LCSW (licensed clinical social worker) position was created in 2018 within the town budget at the request of Executive Health Officer Susan Sarni -- available to serve all the town departments as needed, including Veterans Services and the Fire Department -- not solely the Health Department. Since that time, the hours have increased from 10 to 20 a week due to the high demand for the services West provides.
This role evolved after Sarni noticed an increase in the time a number of departments were spending on housing issues that often appeared to relate to mental health needs -- in particular, hoarding disorder. "The necessary skill set to address these issues seemed to be more in line with that of a social worker, which at that time the town did not employee," Sarni recalled. "The idea behind creating this position was that the time some of our town departments were spending on these cases could be handled more effectively by a LCSW, thereby reducing the financial and time impacts of these cases on the departments involved."
Serving residents of all ages
West's role is unique, Sarni said, in that "she serves the entire Hingham population, not just one segment of it."
West's background is mental health. This includes clinical treatment as an individual and family therapist as well as identification of community resources; reintegration into the community following hospitalization or incarceration; housing issues; support; and advocacy.
"I worked as a clubhouse assistant director and then director for over 10 years. A clubhouse is a day program for individuals struggling with chronic and persistent major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder," West explained. "This was one of the best programs it has been my privilege to be a part of."
West also interned, and was then hired, at Bridgewater State Hospital. "This was an extraordinary opportunity to learn about the evaluation and assessment of mental health, but after experiencing some pretty treacherous winter commutes to Bridgewater, I started working at Pembroke Hospital," she said.
While working there, West also provided individual therapy at Aspire Health Alliance (previously known as North River Associates and then South Shore Mental Health) in Marshfield a couple of evenings a week and on Saturdays. Eventually she left Pembroke Hospital and increased her hours as an individual and family therapist at Aspire Health Alliance.
A quote by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow holds special meaning for West: “If you knew the secret history of those you would punish, you would see a sorrow and a suffering enough to disarm your hostility.”
Ties to Hingham
Even before she accepted this position, West already had ties to Hingham -- where she was born and raised -- as was her mother. Her father's family moved here when he was in high school. "When I was very young, my father worked for the town as a custodian in the very building where my office is now [Town Hall, which served as Central Junior High School in earlier years]. My mother’s family has a very long history in Hingham."
West recalls riding her bike to the library every two weeks and to Loring Hall in downtown Hingham on Saturdays to see a movie. Playing outside with her best friend who lived next door to West on Hersey Street is among her fondest memories.
"Through junior high school and high school I loved sailing and going to World's End with friends. Although I do have very fond memories of Hingham, as a young person I could not wait to leave," West said with a smile. After graduating from high school, West went away to college and didn’t look back –- except when she returned to Hingham to visit her father. West and her husband raised their two children in Cotuit.
"It is interesting to me that I find myself back in the town where I started my life’s journey. I am pleased to be back," she said. "My feelings for the town are very different now than they were when I left Hingham to go to college. Yes, there have been changes, but in general Hingham is the same. I am now able to appreciate the town in a way that I did not when I was a teenager."
As a LCSW West is bound by confidentiality, a requirement she takes very seriously. "My position as a municipal social worker is different from my position as an individual therapist in that I do need to identify my whereabouts, or how my time is spent, to my hiring supervisor," she explained. "This requires minimal information but not the sharing of personal details. If this is the case I will ask the person to sign a release. It is also relevant to note that I am a 'mandated reporter' and as such I am bound by law to report if I determine that someone is at risk of hurting themselves or another."
Office hours at Town Hall and library
West's hours at Town Hall are Tuesdays from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and from 1 to 4:30 p.m. West also has open office hours Tuesday mornings in the Fearing Room at Hingham Public Library from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
On Wednesdays West is available at Town Hall (in the office next to the Health Department) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and on Thursday’s from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. "I am in and out quite a bit doing home visits or other outreach, so it is best to call first to see when I will be in the office," West suggests. "Residents are also welcome to just stop by and say hello if they are in the building for other business."
West is open to hearing thoughts and ideas that folks have about what services a municipal social worker might provide. "I am limited due to a 20-hour-a-week schedule, but I am always interested in how folks think I can be of help. I welcome anyone and everyone who wants to stop by my office in Town Hall or in the Fearing Room at the library and share their feelings."
West may be reached by calling the Health Department at (781) 741-1466, her direct line at (781) 804-2370, or her cell number, (781) 783-2485, where a confidential message may be left. West may also be contacted via email at westc@hingham-ma.gov.