Barbara Schaefer is the Consultant  behind Beacon Social Care Ltd.  She has over 40 years experience in health and social care, person-centred services and a strong interest in social justice.  The company was first named after its initial location, the Beacon Business Centre in Newark, Nottinghamshire, in England. The name stuck as it characterises two aspects of what the company strives for: Excellence in Social Care for service users and - assistance when people want to find afresh what gives their own life its unique direction. This includes practical support, planning, overcoming social or personal obstacles. 

Barbara is not only an experienced Social Worker and Tutor, but also a spiritual theologian. Deeply influenced at certain points in her life by mystical  elements from various world religions in her contemplative outlook, she now finds it most valuable to assist clients in finding their own innate spirituality, especially in crisis. 

Based in Nottingham, UK, Barbara is available UK-wide and beyond. With a non-profit-orientation, the fee is negotiable and graded depending on client affordability: From free in an urgent individual crisis to full cost for solicitors and Local Authorities.

​Barbara worked from 2007 to 2013 as a Locum Social Worker for Local Authorities and NHS Trusts in England. While to she maintains her professional and ethical profile, including CPD, from 2017, she no longer maintains the registration with HCPC (required to work as Social Worker in England). She is therefore now a Social Worker (non-practising) and acts as an Independent Social Care Consultant.