Social Work News - Spring 2021

The magazine for social workers, by social workers

SOCIAL WORK NEWS SPRING 21 20 “YEARS IN CARE

LED ME TO STUDY AS A SOCIAL WORKER”

34 ‘SOCIAL WORKERS

WITH TATTOOS’ WHAT DO YOU THINK?

£3.95

18 ‘LANGUAGE

IN SOCIAL WORK’ THE TERMS YOU WOULD LIKE TO KICK TO THE KERB IN 2021

32 INSIDE SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2021

“NOBODY WANTED TO KNOW” WHY TEN-YEAR-OLD AVA IS DETERMINED TO SHARE HER MENTAL HEALTH STORY

06 “I LOVE MY LIFE AS A TWENTYSOMETHING FOSTER PARENT” Youth worker Trevor Elliott MBE was just 24 when he became a foster parent. Six years on, he’s determined to debunk the fostering stereotype.

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18

“NOBODY WANTED TO KNOW. NOBODY WANTED TO HELP”

NEW CAMPAIGN EXPLORES THE ‘LANGUAGE OF SOCIAL WORK’

After suffering PTSD, following two years of bullying, ten-year-old Ava is determined to share her mental health story, to help other children like her.

Social Work Action Group hopes their new campaign will encourage social workers to rethink terms like LAC, Service User, and Placement in 2021.

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22

“MY TIME IN CARE LED ME TO STUDY AS A SOCIAL WORKER”

“SOME DAYS I’D FINISH MY SHIFT, SIT IN MY CAR AND CRY”

Ceira Walsh had countless social workers during her years in care. Now, as a student social worker, she knows what she wants to bring to the industry.

12 months on from the first national lockdown, three care home workers reflect on the realities of working on the frontline throughout a pandemic.

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32

PSYCHOLOGIST BREAKS DOWN TRUTH OF VICARIOUS TRAUMA

EXPLORING THE PROGRAMME FOR ‘SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2021’

Dr Gregory Warwick delves into the complex world of Vicarious Trauma, breaking down exactly what it is, and how lockdown has increased our risk.

As Social Work England prepares to kick off its first virtual Social Work Week on March 8th, the architects of the event reveal what’s in store.

As restrictions begin to ease this month, we look forward to the first Social Work Week 2021, being hosted

by Social Work England on March 8-12 (page 32).

This issue, we’re also privileged to share ten-year-old Ava’s story (page 14) who is determined that her experience - of suffering from PTSD following years of bullying at primary school - should help other children.

We loved talking to Trevor Elliott, about becoming a foster parent at 25 (page 06), to Michael Wood about when social workers need social workers (page 30), and chatting with student social workers from The Student Social Work Hub about the reality of pandemic placements (page 13).

On page 26, Social Work Tutor shares his ideas for improving children’s social work, while on page 18, Social Work Action Group explores its brand new ‘Language in Social Work’ campaign.

03 EDITORIAL

FOREWORD

Find out what people really think about social workers with tattoos on page 34, and don’t miss our social media roundup on page 42.

Nearly one year on from the start of the pandemic, we’re emerging into a new era in social work.

Each issue, we’ll be sharing articles from mysocialworknews.com, written by our winning #AuthorsOfTheMonth, so look out for brilliant reads from In the past 12 months, the sector has Becky Salter (page 10), Wayne Reid experienced dramatic changes in difficult circumstances. During this time, (page 04), and Graham Brown (page 38). Visit our online platform to start social workers have demonstrated writing and publishing - and be in their resilience, continuing to give with the chance to see your words tirelessly - even as their wells ran dry published in our summer issue. Each - and stepping up to the plate, in an #AuthorOfTheMonth also wins a effort to ensure no adult or child was fabulous prize! (Believe us, CPD has overlooked or left behind. never been this much fun…)

Now, as we plot our way out of Mysocialworknews.com is your lockdown, and begin to deal with resource - for social workers, by social the trail of destruction and ripped workers - and it’s constantly evolving. landscapes Covid-19 has left in its March sees the launch of our new wake, the real work must begin. But podcast The Social Chat, and our brand whatever comes next, we will always new community platform, so come pay be in awe of the way the spirit of this us a visit. We’ll see you there, community held firm during some of - Social Work News team our darkest days.

@MYSWNEWS

PRESS@MYSOCIALWORKNEWS.COM

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Social worker and BASW Anti-racism Visionary, Wayne Reid, reveals why ignorance is the enemy of progress.

THE QUESTION IS NOT: ‘IS SOCIAL WORK RACIST?’ This article has been trimmed for print. Please visit mysocialworknews.com to read the full article online.

T

he level of inaction from many within the profession’s establishment is both deafening and revealing.

‘Niceness’ is often weaponised against people of colour. My motivation is the cause, not applause – and the cause is Black Lives Matter.

THE RESPONSE FROM THE SOCIAL WORK ELITE HAS BEEN ABOUT AS CONVINCING AND

To quote US novelist and activist James SPEEDY AS THE GOVERNMENT’S Baldwin: “I can’t believe what you say, RESPONSE TO COVID-19. because I see what you [don’t] do.”

Sensible people know racism isn’t just an isolated event or incident. It’s a reflection of institutions and structures which all interact to shape the lived experiences of Black people. When will we accept that the philosophy of white supremacy runs deep in most organisational cultures?

I write this article from both personal and professional perspectives. I do not speak on behalf of all Black and ethnic minority people or social workers.

ALSO, I REFUSE TO BE THE TOKENISTIC ‘BLACK VOICE’ OF BASW. I’M ONE OF MANY BLACK VOICES IN THE PROFESSION. I realise I’ve been ‘let in’ (to some extent) because, I “won’t scare the horses” - I am supposedly well-spoken and middle-class.

For the record, I’m not aspiring to be a ‘nice guy’ when it comes to combatting oppressive regimes and systems.

However, the social work profession is not broken. What we are witnessing has been designed. If we want an equitable and inclusive profession that encourages critical thinking, prioritises social justice, and truly values diversity of service-users and staff, we need to reimagine new structures, new systems and new discourses. A paradigm shift!

Anything else is just papering over gaping tectonic plates.

Yes, social work is institutionally racist – but so are many professions when you consider Sir William MacPherson’s definition from the 1999 report of the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. There is evidently a ‘collective failure to provide an appropriate and professional service to social workers of colour based on their colour, culture or ethnic origin.’ This is visible in ‘processes, attitudes, and behaviour which amount to discrimination through unwitting prejudice, ignorance, thoughtlessness and racist stereotyping which disadvantages ethnic minority people.’

I observe many key social work leaders asking the same old tired questions, then promising another exploration of the long and gruelling wilderness we meandered through previously.

The question is not: ‘Is social work racist?’ More incisive questions are: ‘As racism in society becomes more overt, what is social work actively doing to promote anti-racism?’ Or, ‘When will social work commit to a mandatory anti-racism commitment framework?’

We must now ask, is there the appetite for real change? The commitment, intention, and motivation? If not why not? Financial investment is not necessarily a major hurdle here – it comes down to the priorities and values of the existing leadership.

LET’S NOT FORGET, ‘WHEN YOU’RE ACCUSTOMED TO PRIVILEGE, EQUALITY FEELS LIKE OPPRESSION.’ THE ONLY REAL ENEMY OF PROGRESS IS IGNORANCE AND ‘WILFUL BLINDNESS.’ I’d rather have some meaningful action - even if it is not perfect, as long as it is genuine - rather than this never-ending paralysis of fear and/or indifference.

Let’s have more clarity about what your change looks like and the timescales for implementation. If not, it’s all just performative window-dressing.

BECOMING A FOSTER PARENT AT 25 CHANGED MY LIFE” Why Trevor Elliott MBE is determined to debunk the outdated foster parent stereotype.

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revor Elliott was just 25-yearsold when he fostered his first child. “I can still remember that overwhelming feeling of total responsibility,” he says.

“I picked him up from the children’s home, and as we walked through the door of my house together the anxiety hit me like a brick wall.

“The child I was looking after was an unaccompanied asylum seeker who didn’t speak English. I realised I had no idea what he liked to eat, drink, or what his routine was. Did he like his room?

Was he happy? I just didn’t know.”

“THE FIRST 24 HOURS WERE CHALLENGING.” But in the days that followed, Trevor realised that his youth, initially seen as a hindrance by many of the fostering agencies he approached, was in fact his greatest asset, giving him a unique relatability to young people in his care.

“I don’t judge, and that’s important,” says the former youth worker and mentor, from South East London.

“As you get older, you forget what it was like to be a child, a teenager, and

07 experience in youth work, I have nine siblings and eight nieces and nephews.

“I had the space and resources, and finally a local authority saw the potential in what I was trying to do, and approved me to foster.”

Within a year, Trevor had three foster children living under his roof, and one visiting on the weekends for respite.

“Of course fostering was very different to anything I’d done before,” he admits.

“I CERTAINLY FELT THAT RESPONSIBILITY OF HAVING YOUNG PEOPLE’S LIVES IN MY HANDS.” Trevor gave up his job as an estate agent to be a full-time parent, and all three children - two of which came to him on short-term placements - ended up staying for more than three years due to the progress they were making in his care.

Now aged 30, Trevor is one of the UK’s youngest foster carers, and has helped to open a number of foster homes across London.

And while he admits his role as a foster parent impacts every area of his life including his social and dating life - he can’t imagine doing anything else.

“I love what I do, and anything new that comes along has to fit around it, or else it’s not meant to be in my life.” what was important to you. The beauty is I’m still young enough to remember.

“There are so many young people out there who need help - children who’ve experienced neglect, abuse, trauma, kids who’ve lost their parents - and fostering really opened my eyes to the difference a stable home can make.”

Although it’s a career that was nearly dead in the water before it started, as - at 24-years-old - Trevor reveals he struggled to get fostering agencies to see him as a serious candidate.

“I’d worked with kids for years in youth centres in London, launching Lambeth

Action for Youth - a not-for-profit social inclusion project, aimed at diverting children away from gang-related violence - when I was 19.

In 2020, he was awarded an MBE for his services to vulnerable children, and is determined to use his platform to eradicate the outdated stereotype that

“IT OPENED MY EYES TO THE

surrounds foster parents.

NEED THAT WAS OUT THERE,

“I HOPE I CAN INSPIRE OTHER

PARTICULARLY FOR AT-RISK KIDS.

YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME FOSTER PARENTS,” HE SAYS.

“I started looking into the care sector, and approached a number of different fostering agencies.

“They were all concerned that I was so young, and that I’d never had children of my own - but as well as my

“There’s an entire generation of potential carers out there, with the power to protect and enrich the lives of vulnerable young people - they simply don’t realise it yet.”

THE HUB WAS BORN…” How The Student Social Work Hub is helping to bring a sense of community to a generation of social work students.

The Student Social Work Hub is exactly what it sounds like - a virtual centre of activity, information for those studying social work,” says Fee Steane.

of seven members that launched the Hub last May, weeks after the country went into national lockdown.

“There was a lot of anxiety around that time, for everyone,” says Fee.

The Hub was born. Weeks later, with restrictions still in place, the Hub organised a virtual Freshers Week, which cemented its place on the social work map.

“With everything that’s going on in the world, this is a tough time to be a student, particularly in such a demanding industry.

“For students like us, we weren’t sure whether we were going to be able to sit our exams, or finish the placements we needed to qualify.

Kelly Centro, a leaving care PA and second year social work apprentice, says: “We got some good speakers and hosted some webinars.

“THE HUB OFFERS A SAFE SPACE

“We were all still working to deadlines, but without knowing what was going to happen, and nobody had any answers for us, because everybody was focused on dealing with covid.

“We ended up meeting with Chief Social Worker Isabelle Trowler, Social Work England, and a lot of other key organisations, discussing how the voices of students could help to shape policy and procedure.”

FOR STUDENTS TO SHARE THEIR CONCERNS, ACCESS RESOURCES, AND ASK QUESTIONS.” Fee, a third-year student at Nottingham Trent University, is one of a core group

“That was the catalyst. A group of us decided that student social workers needed a community.”

Becky Salter, a third year student at the University of South Wales, says: “We

09

“WE’RE HERE FOR STUDENTS, AS STUDENTS OURSELVES, THAT’S IT.”

began really focusing on different ways to inspire and connect the community.

“We hosted #TheoryThursday, and #StopAndReadSaturday, encouraging students everywhere to share articles and ideas and welcoming guest blogs from social work professionals.

“We launched a book club, a podcast, and a penpal ‘buddy’ scheme, pairing up more than 70 students from all across the UK.” Kelly adds: “We really are just a group of students. This is not something we’re doing professionally, or commercially - and we’re careful not to weigh in too heavily on political issues.

“WE’RE HERE FOR STUDENTS, AS STUDENTS OURSELVES, THAT’S IT.”

Sloan. So what will happen to the Hub when they all finish their degrees?

Fee smiles: “It would be great to have other students coming up through the ranks to pass the baton to.

Nine months on, the Hub’s community has grown, welcoming more than 5,000 “We’ve now expanded to a team of members and followers across the UK. nine, and we’re loving working together The next big thing on their agenda to build up this fantastic community.” is ‘Bohemianfest’ - a one-day virtual So, have any of them met in real life? ‘festival’ to mark their one-year anniversary, featuring speakers, music, activities, and competitions.

Kelly nods: “Three of us did cross paths at an event once, but that’s it.

“Details coming soon…” teased Becky.

“We’re spread all over the UK, and having launched during the pandemic, there’s been no other opportunities to meet face-to-face - though we look forward to the day we can!”

Along with Becky, Fee, and Kelly, the Hub team includes Emma Grady, Kristine Bloomfield, Nim Ayilara, Emma Brookes, Duane Phillips, and Dylan

Student social worker Becky Salter reveals how her prison placement opened her eyes to what’s possible.

INTIMIDATED CLAUSTROPH & OUT OF MY P

reparing for my final placement last November, I found myself reflecting on my second-year practice learning opportunity with the charity P.A.C.T, who support families within Her Majesty’s Prison service.

After undertaking the necessary home office checks, interview, and key training, I walked onto a busy prison wing that first day, and the enormity of my placement hit me. I was intimidated, claustrophobic, and out of my depth.

THOSE FIRST WEEKS, MY EYES WERE OPENED TO A WHOLE AREA OF SOCIAL WORK THAT I WASN’T AWARE EXISTED, IN A SETTING I HADN’T EVEN

CONTEMPLATED WHEN APPLYING FOR THE SOCIAL WORK DEGREE.

Like all social work students, I’d worked on my communication skills and learnt how to build mutual trust through common ground, but the way in which information is exchanged in such a setting is different.

When you are supporting men that have been convicted of committing sexual offences, you are extremely aware of the content of your conversation.

This is where the support and guidance of your practice educator is priceless. I was in a supervision,

11 together we co-produced a training presentation based on the research I had undertaken. Fathers that had a child with a diagnosed disability or additional need could be supported to take part in a different type of visit for the first time.

HOBIC DEPTH” around day 60, when I began to cry.

It was a challenging headspace to be in sometimes, and I had been bottling some feelings up.

My practice educator listened encouragingly as everything came tumbling out. I didn’t feel embarrassed, or like I’d wasted her time.

SELF-CARE IN SOCIAL WORK IS VITAL, AND YOUR PRACTICE EDUCATOR IS THERE TO SUPPORT YOU. For the last three months of my placement I supported individuals who had children with additional

learning needs and disabilities, and was surprised to find there was nothing specific to support these children with a parent in a prison setting. This was my lightbulb moment. I finally felt like I understood why I had been placed in this service and started to ask Why? I focused on what mattered to these families, what their lived experiences of the prison provision were, and how the systems within the setting needed challenging and adapting to meet their needs. The prison staff had no understanding of children with disabilities, and this became the starting point for change.

I connected with the local authority Autism Spectrum Disorder Lead and

The new CALM visits (Children with Additional Learning and Multi-sensory needs) featured activities such as making Mother’s Day cards using Makaton symbols, or sensory glitter bottles, and scheduled time for quiet interaction. The prison staff were brilliant in their approach, and it was lovely to see the children engaging with them in a more relaxed manner.

Feedback forms for the children featured words such as ‘happy’ and smiling drawings of them with their dads. It was extremely rewarding compared to previous visits where they clearly felt overwhelmed.

WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT, GOING INTO THIS PLACEMENT, THAT I WOULD CREATE SUCH CHANGE? During lockdown I met an incredibly talented artist called Yusuf, whose clear message was: ‘Be the Difference.’ It’s one I will take into future practice.

I would say embrace your placements, allow yourself to be overwhelmed - your inner professional curiosity and creativity will lead you to Be the Difference in a way you can’t even imagine at the start.

This article has been trimmed for print.

Please visit mysocialworknews.com to read the full article online.

Financial rewards of up to £750 per child per week

Flow of placements and an eight-week pay retainer

A fantastic, individual personal development and training plan

Access 24/7 support, every day of the year

One-to-one sessions with a social worker

Local support groups and so much more…

To discover more, call 01253 420222 or visit blackpoolfostering.com

#bettertogether

WHAT IS THE REALITY OF LOCKDOWN PLACEMENTS? Hannah Betts

Six students from The Student Social Work Hub share their placement concerns...

Hannah Betts My final placement took place in full lockdown, meaning just four face-toface contacts in four months.

Wendy Doyle

Nim Ayilara

Lorna Wright

Despite the outstanding levels of support from practice supervisors, I’ve been well supported, but I do worry practice educators, and colleagues, I’ve missed a huge element of learning it’s hard not to become disheartened in terms of building up my skills with with the limited face-to-face prospects. direct working. However, I’ve learned Have I truly experienced the reality to be creative with my approaches and of social work, gaining the skills that maintained my statutory duties which previous cohorts of students have had has built up my confidence. the chance to develop?

Wendy Doyle

Kristine Bloomfield

The reality of my final placement is that I get up each morning, log onto a computer, and work at the desk a foot away from my bed. I am aware that students like me may reach the end of their placements without physically meeting families, or conducting face-toface interventions. I wonder if this will be a disadvantage when competing for ASYE posts, and how employers plan to respond to this new reality.

My biggest placement concern is not having the necessary experience required to pass my degree. My 70-day placement was cut in half in the first lockdown. The festive period marked the halfway point of my 100-day placement, which I spent worrying that I wouldn’t be allowed to return.

Nim Ayilara

Kristine Bloomfield

I’ve been concerned about balancing placement requirements with my academic studies. Is it fair that we’re in a pandemic, but the placement attendance days and academic work remains unchanged? The placement started two weeks later than it was meant to, and this has impacted my return to university.

I feel more support is required to complete my ASYE due to limited placement opportunities.

Lorna Wright Emma Grady

learning, liaising with colleagues and building relationships with families in their own homes.

Being in practice during this pandemic eliminated the opportunity for situated 13

I felt utter relief when I learned I could, but it spoiled the time off with my family. I fear many social work students experienced the same and worse during precious time off.

Emma Grady The road that leads to qualification has never been as rocky.

My first social work placement was cut short by 13 days. I was grateful to be signed off by my Practice Educator, but felt so much anxiety about reaching the 70 day target, it raised a lot of questions in my mind about the validity of such a guideline in the context of this new COVID-19 world. Must our new social work regulator adopt a more flexible and creative approach to ensuring students are meeting the standards and PCF?

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NOBODY WANTED TO KNOW” After suffering PTSD, following two years of bullying at primary school, ten-year-old Ava Lilly was determined to share her mental health story to help children like her.

For ten-year-old Ava, we learn the world was once a very dark place.

“She looked me straight in the eye, and said: “What if I can save a child’s life?”

‘A few years ago, I was bullied,’ she reveals, holding up another page.

“I knew then I had to let her do it.”

‘My brain started to feel weird. I had a voice in my head that was not my own.

Ava was just six-years-old when her parents noticed a change.

‘THE VOICE WOULD TELL

“She went from a happy kid to being angry all the time,” recalls Sophie.

ME NOBODY LIKED ME. THE

“SCHOOL KEPT SAYING

VOICE WOULD TELL ME TO

EVERYTHING WAS FINE, BUT AS

HURT MYSELF. SO I TRIED.’

TIME WENT ON, SHE BECAME MORE AND MORE WITHDRAWN.

Trigger warning: contains themes of self-harm and suicidal feelings which some readers may find triggering. If you need support at any time, call The Samaritans free on 116 123.

This two-minute video has been shared all over the world since being published by Ava’s family last month, on Children’s Mental Health Week.

Ava-Lilly Sterland smiles shyly at the camera as she lifts a sheet of paper bearing a rainbow-coloured message.

“I was reluctant when Ava first told me she wanted to make the video,” says her mum, Sophie.

‘My name is Ava-Lilly,’ it reads ‘and this is my mental health story.’

“I was worried, and wanted to protect her, but she was so insistent.

“One day she just fell to the floor, and told us she was being bullied, and that it had been going on for years. This weight that had been burying her for so long all came pouring out.”

Sophie and her husband Chris moved Ava to a new school where she settled well, and quickly made new friends.

16 For eight months things seemed better, and then they noticed Ava becoming withdrawn again.

Sophie says: “Ava was only eight-yearsold, but she seemed to carry this dark cloud with her everywhere she went.”

As months went by, things got worse.

“IT BECAME CLEAR THAT AVA WAS TALKING TO SOMEBODY IN HER HEAD,” SAYS SOPHIE.

WHAT SHE SAW, SHE SAYS, and psychiatrists. Eventually they took Ava to a walk-in centre, where a doctor WILL STAY WITH HER FOREVER. admitted her, and called the crisis team. THE VOICE IN AVA’S HEAD HAD “I thought ‘finally, somebody’s going to TOLD HER TO END HER LIFE help us’,” says Sophie.

THAT NIGHT. SOPHIE ARRIVED “The woman from the crisis team made it very clear we were taking away from her personal time, even as I sobbed recounting Ava’s behaviour to her, begging her to help us.

“She concluded that Ava was just a child looking for attention.”

“She told us she could hear a man’s voice, and we’d find her sitting in the corner of a room banging her head.

Two nights later, with all three kids in bed, Sophie remembered she’d left something upstairs in her bedroom.

“Then she began scratching herself, creating wounds all over her body.”

“It was 9.20pm on a Sunday - I’ll never forget it,” she says, her eyes shining.

Desperate to get her some help, Ava’s parents reached out to anyone they could think of - 111, and several GPs

“We thought Ava was asleep, and as I passed her room, I glanced in. My eyes met Ava’s, and we both froze.”

JUST IN TIME TO STOP HER. “My husband and I didn’t know where to turn. We were so terrified Ava would try to hurt herself again, we couldn’t take our eyes off her for a second, but we’d also exhausted every avenue we could think of, trying to get help.”

Weeks later, during parents evening at school with Ava’s teacher, Sophie broke down in tears, and everything the family had been going through came pouring out.

“She was the first person to really help us,” says Sophie.

“I’M PROUD OF HOW FAR AVA HAS COME, AND OF HER DETERMINATION TO SHARE HER STORY. AFTER SO MUCH PAIN, I HOPE SOMETHING GOOD CAN COME OUT OF THIS.” Visit mysocialworknews.com to watch our video interview with Ava and Sophie

“She put us in touch with a family support worker, and that person changed our lives.

to cope with the trauma of the constant negativity and fear she’d lived with while she was being bullied.

“SHE WAS INSISTENT SHE

“She forced people to pay attention to the reality of what was happening to us, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.

“He was able to really understand her in a way we couldn’t.”

WANTED TO SAY AND HOW.”

“SHE WOULDN’T LET AVA’S PROBLEM BE IGNORED ANY LONGER. IT MEANT SO MUCH TO HAVE SOMEBODY FIGHTING FOR US.” The real turning point came when Ava began seeing a cognitive behavioural therapist. He worked with Ava to start helping her make sense of what was happening to her.

“He diagnosed Ava with PTSD, explaining her brain hadn’t been able

WANTED TO MAKE THE VIDEO; SHE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT SHE

18 months on, Sophie explains Ava is like a completely different girl.

And while it’s been fantastic for the family to see so many people sharing “We always knew our child was still in Ava’s story, Sophie says they’ve been there somewhere, but it’s so wonderful most excited by the likes and shares to see her now, playing and happy.” from people like Chief Social Worker The idea for the video about her mental Isabelle Trowler, and the NSPCC. health story came from Ava herself.

“We believe these are the people that “I said no the first time she asked,” explains Sophie.

can make a real difference to a system that left us feeling so alone.

“A year later, she asked again.

“For the longest time, nobody wanted to help us, nobody wanted to know.

“I could see that it was still important to her, and began to realise it genuinely could make a difference to other families out there.

“I’m proud of how far Ava has come, and of her determination to share her story. After so much pain, I hope something good can come out of this.”

18 From ‘LAC’ to ‘Service User,’ there are terms Social Work Action Group would like to see gone for good

THE LANGUA OF SOCIAL W Within social work, language is everything,” explained Jason Barnes.

“It sets the tone for the relationships we build, and yet we know, from talking with people with lived experience, that many of the terms we use are actually creating a barrier to building trust and understanding.

“Service User, LAC, Placement some of these have been around so long they’re part of the professional furniture, but it’s time to rethink.”

After eight years working on the frontline, as a social worker and practice manager, Jason knows of what he speaks.

In 2016 he launched ‘Social Work Development Group’ to bring together practitioners from across Sussex, side-stepping institutional barriers to connect and learn.

A YEAR AGO, HE DECIDED HE COULD DO MORE, FORMING THE SOCIAL WORK ACTION

GROUP, TO BRING ABOUT

MEANINGFUL CHANGES IN SOCIAL WORK CULTURE, EDUCATION, AND PRACTICE. Jason joined forces with Tammy Mayes - an activist and parent with lived experience - and social work students Diana Katoto and Omar Mohamed.

Together they created working groups to support anti-poverty, anti-racism, LGBTQ, disabilities, and parents - those with lived experience and social work education.

Jason says: “SWAG’s focus is on collaboration, and advocating for and taking necessary steps towards authentic changes in our profession, centring families as the experts of their own lives, and amplifying the experiences of minority groups.

“We introduced Rep roles, to head up each working group, and Eric Banks, Vikki Walton-Cole, and Rich LynchSmith have taken on three of these roles with great enthusiasm.”

AGE WORK This month Social Work Action Group launches its first national campaign - ‘Language in Social Work’ - to encourage those working in the sector to stop and think about the language they use.

“THIS CAMPAIGN IS NOT ABOUT POINTING THE FINGER, OR ISSUING A LIST OF DOS AND DON’TS,” CLARIFIES JASON. “I know as well as anyone there is certain jargon that will roll off my tongue without me thinking.

“This is about challenging all of us to think compassionately and critically about the language we use.”

@DrARoeschMarsh: “‘Challenging behaviour’ tells us nothing - what is the behaviour? ‘Vulnerable,’ again what does this mean? Any of us might be vulnerable depending on the context.”

“IN MY EXPERIENCE, A LOT OF

@ohhollygosh: “Acronyms generally, to me the use of them always feels elitist and inaccessible all round.”

So how can people get involved?

Jason adds: “I think there’s pressure on newly-qualified social workers to communicate with jargon that’s being used around them, even if this is alienating for families.

“Language is so powerful, it can be the springboard for the entire relationship, so it’s important we get it right.”

FOR TAMMY MAYES, ‘SERVICE USER’ HAS PARTICULARLY

Last month, Social Work News announced it was backing the campaign, and hundreds of people took to our Twitter feed to share their personal pet peeve terms.

“I heard that term for years, but I’m not and never have been a ‘service user’.”

@Dylanrgsloan: “‘LAC - a child asked me once what he was lacking in.

Contact - replace this with family time.”

“I didn’t ask for social services to get involved in my life, it’s not a service I opted to ‘use.’

NEGATIVE CONNOTATIONS.

LANGUAGE IN SOCIAL WORK NEEDS TO BE CHANGED.”

Jason says: “We’re asking people to use the hashtags #ForTheRecord or #NotAServiceUser online to share their experience of why language is important in social work, and what they would like social workers to know.

“We’ll be sharing comments and videos from the SWAG Twitter account in the run-up to World Social Work Day on March 16th.

“We’re also asking social workers to commit to choosing a different term in place of ‘service user,’ as it’s one people feel so strongly about.

“That many people can’t be wrong, it’s time that term was gone.”

SWAG is seeking more collaborators and Reps. Follow @swactionuk on Twitter and DM to make contact.

MY YEARS IN CARE LED ME TO STUDY SOCIAL WORK” 19-year-old Ceira Walsh has firm ideas about the kind of social worker she will be.

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W

hen she turned 18, Ceira Walsh requested her care file.

“I’d been known to the service since I was 14, and I wanted - as many care leavers do to see for myself everything that had been written about and decided for me in the last few years,” she explains.

“Where I live in Jersey, there are very few ‘home-grown’ social workers, so the turnover of staff is high, with people coming here for a few months and then returning home.”

I ask if she had a favourite social worker, and one name springs immediately to mind: “Julie,” she nods, “when I was 17, she was so good.

“She was care-experienced herself, and you could tell, because she did so many things that to anybody else would seem like a little thing, but to a young person in care made such a difference.

“When the file finally arrived, it wasn’t what I was expecting. It came in a series of brown envelopes, each with “When I moved into my first flat on my the word ‘Walsh’ scrawled on the front.” own, I really wanted to paint it, and make it feel like mine. I told Julie and As Ceira began to read, she was shocked to realise that her file actually she said ‘let’s do it Sunday, we’ll make a day of it.’ dated back to 2006, with records beginning when she was five-years-old. “Of course she didn’t work Sundays, “I had no idea I’d been known to children’s services for so long,” says Ceira, who turned 19 last August.

“Plus the file was a mess; I had notes from 2006 double-sided with information from 2017.

“It was a lot to wrap my head around.”

but she said she had no plans, and would be happy to come and help.

“That Sunday, we painted from 10am to 7pm. That meant so much.”

AS A YOUNG PERSON WITH SO MUCH EXPERIENCE OF THE CARE SYSTEM, CEIRA HAS A GOOD

FOR CEIRA, RECEIVING HER FILE

IDEA OF THE KIND OF SOCIAL

REPRESENTED A RITE OF PASSAGE.

WORKER SHE’D LIKE TO BE.

An end to a difficult chapter in her life that saw her shunted from foster home, to residential housing, to a homeless shelter - all while studying for her GCSEs, holding down a part-time job, and working her way through college.

“I understand working hours are important, but I know I won’t be the social worker who refuses to answer a text, because it came in at 5.15pm - I had a few of those over the years.

As we chat now via Zoom - she from her flat in Jersey - Ceira has just accepted an offer to study for her social work degree at Bournemouth University in September.

She plans to become a social worker.

“I’VE HAD A LOT OF SOCIAL WORKERS OVER THE YEARS,” SHE SAYS WITH A WRY SMILE. “From ages 14-18 I had 30 social workers - goodness knows how many I had in the years before that I didn’t know about or remember.

“I don’t think it’s common knowledge for social workers that ‘being safe’ and ‘feeling safe’ are different things to a young person, but they should be treated with the same importance.

“I think it’s worth bearing in mind that the file you’re writing will likely be read by the young person in question one day, and the potential impact of that.

“The last thing I hope I’ll always bring to the role of social worker is compassion,” she says decidedly.

“Yes, you’re a professional, but you’re not expected to be perfect, and really to that young person you’re supporting - it’s nice to know that you’re human.”

“I WANTED TO MAKE THEIR BUBBLE SAFE.”

SOCIAL WORK ON THE FRONTLINE Nearly 12 months on from the UK’s first national lockdown, care home workers Nicole, Sally, and Lindsay reflect on working through a pandemic.

23 “There were days I’d finish my shift, get into my car, and cry,” says Nicole Mercer, Care Team Manager at Barnes Lodge in Kent.

“The job changed completely overnight, and it was a scary time.

“At first, wearing the masks for 12 hours was very strange; now it feels like a second skin.”

Nicole explains: “My colleagues and I were all in the same position, and it meant a lot that we could share our fears and worries.

“Families of our residents took care of us - sending biscuits and hand creams.”

As the country went into its first national lockdown, Sally Gregory made the quick decision to leave her 10 and 13-year-old children with family, and move into Guy’s Court Care Home, in Lancashire, where she had become Home Manager just weeks earlier.

“It was a time of extreme uncertainty, and my residents didn’t fully understand what it all meant for them,” says Sally, who was joined by a core team of seven staff.

“I wanted to make their bubble safe.”

SALLY FOCUSED ON NURTURING

Nicole had her vaccine at the end of January, and the care home residents the following week.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH HER

“Now we’re open to visitors again.

COOKING, AND CLEANING.

“We got a grant from infection control to have a visiting pod built.

“It’s like a log cabin, heated, with lighting and double glazing, and partitions down the middle, so residents can sit on one side, and families on the other.

“THIS LAST LOCKDOWN HAS, IN MY OPINION, BEEN THE HARDEST ONE. “We’re all exhausted, but we’ve worked as a team, and we’ve made it through an unbelievably tough 12 months.”

RESIDENTS AND HER NEW TEAM, AND HELPED WITH LAUNDRY,

As part of a care partnership with other local providers and the CCG, and as one of the first homes in the area to experience COVID-19 first-hand, Sally fed back vital information so others could learn from her experience.

She says: “I was pleased to return home, but if I had to do it again, I would in a heartbeat.

“We were delighted to receive the first Pfizer jabs as part of the vaccine rollout to staff and residents. It was such a momentous occasion for everyone.”

Lindsay Hood admits she thought she was going to die after contracting Covid during the first outbreak.

The mum-of-two, a Care Home Administration Manager at Surbiton Home in Surrey, said that at its worst, she was afraid to sleep for fear of not waking up again. Her condition deteriorated at home for three weeks before she was admitted to hospital, where tests revealed she had dangerously low oxygen saturation levels, a bacterial infection, and was borderline sepsis.

“It was a long and frustrating recovery.

“I had mixed emotions stepping back into the Home. I’d missed the residents and my colleagues, but I was terrified.

In those first weeks, if too many people came into my office, I panicked. I didn’t want people close to me, and could feel myself spiralling.”

LINDSAY WAS REFERRED FOR COUNSELLING AND WAS TOLD SHE HAD PTSD - A NATURAL PSYCHOLOGICAL REACTION TO NEARLY LOSING HER LIFE. “I don’t want anyone to go through what my family went through. They didn’t know if they would see me again.

“The more people that are vaccinated, the less risk there is.”

24

UNDERSTAN VICARIOUS T Vicarious Trauma accumulates over time,” explains Dr Gregory Warwick, Chartered Counselling Psychologist.

colleagues interacting using a healthy dose of black humour. These are things we just can’t do with our own families in lockdown.

“It’s a process of change that takes place as the result of repeated exposure to trauma, and something we see a lot in professions such as police, fire brigade, and of course social work.”

“This lack of communication can leave people vulnerable to the kind of emotional residue which can lead to Vicarious Trauma, Secondary Trauma, and Compassion Fatigue.”

How can it happen?

Breaking down trauma

“THE PANDEMIC HAS BROUGHT

“There are three kinds of trauma disorder that are often confused.

Vicarious Trauma comes as a result of empathetic engagement over a long period of time, and can lead to lingering feelings of anger, sadness, guilt, and hopelessness.

ABOUT A LOT OF DISCONNECT,” EXPLAINS DR GREGORY, OF QUEST PSYCHOLOGY IN MANCHESTER. “In high pressure industries, being able to vent and debrief is an essential part of processing the things you’ve seen and heard, ensuring you can switch off from them at the end of the day.

“With a job as serious as social work, we would also expect to see

“While Vicarious Trauma accumulates, Secondary Trauma can come on suddenly, usually causing a PTSD response. Even though the sufferer hasn’t personally experienced the trauma, the result can be vivid, with flashbacks and nightmares.

“FORGO YOUR BOUNDARIES, AND PUT YOURSELF AT RISK IN AN EFFORT TO HELP EVERYONE, AND YOU’LL END UP HELPING NOBODY.”

NDING TRAUMA “With Compassion Fatigue, we see a long-term exposure to traumatic information that wears down the person’s empathy to the point that they no longer care or connect.”

What to look out for - in yourself and others

having the reaction you might expect.

A complete lack of empathy, not really caring about the job anymore, or the people involved.”

What can be done?

“Carve regular time out to talk with your team,” says Dr Gregory.

“Burnout is an early sign. You might find yourself developing new negative views of yourself, of others, and of the world in general.”

“For managers, this could mean arranging a daily 15-minute virtual coffee break, where everyone is encouraged to share, or checking in one-on-one with someone who’s dealing with a particularly nasty case.

SECONDARY TRAUMA

“IF A CASE IS TRIGGERING TO YOU

“We would expect to be seeing some of the symptoms of PTSD - intrusive thoughts, withdrawal, a disconnect from reality, and vivid flashbacks, even though the person experiencing it wasn’t actually there.”

PERSONALLY, FOR WHATEVER

VICARIOUS TRAUMA

COMPASSION FATIGUE “Disconnection, and a lack of reaction to something horrible or sad, or not

REASON, ALERT YOUR MANAGER AND SWAP THE CASE OUT. “It’s also important to do all the usual things to look after yourself exercising, eating well, taking part in hobbies, and engaging in mindfulness to bring down anxiety and help keep

yourself grounded in the present, rather than losing yourself to the things you’ve heard and witnessed.

“It’s also important to say that, with time, communication, and self-care, your feelings can be restored, and your thresholds put back to where they should be, but small consistent steps can stop you getting to that place.

“Lunch breaks is one of those things I know too many people do without but, now more than ever, it’s important to take breaks in the day, and to ensure you’re clocking off in good time.

“It’s like that old aeroplane analogy, about putting on your own mask before fitting anybody else’s. If you neglect your mental health, forgo your boundaries, and put yourself at risk in an effort to help everyone, and you’ll end up helping nobody.”

FIVE WAYS TO IMPROVE CHILDREN’S SOCIAL WORK

As England’s independent care review gets underway, regular columnist Social Work Tutor shares his own ideas for improving children’s social work.

Allocate child protection cases to social workers We should only allocate child protection (Section 47) cases to qualified social workers, and everything at a lower threshold (Section 17 and early help) should be allocated to family support workers.

This will free up social workers to spend more time with children at risk of significant harm and allow other children and their families to be supported by family workers, who are free to practice without the constraints of rigid plans and timescales.

Phase out Independent Reviewing Officers I LIKE INDEPENDENT REVIEWING OFFICERS, BUT OFTEN STRUGGLE TO SEE HOW MUCH THEY WOULD BE MISSED IF THEY WERE NO LONGER THERE.

SOCIAL WORK SHOULD BE NEEDS-LED, NOT RESOURCE-LED. If a child needs our support for nine months, so be it. If all of the significant risks of harm necessitating child protection involvement are addressed within weeks (such as a perpetrator of domestic abuse going to prison), then it is utterly wasteful to continue to enforce ourselves upon a family.

Split social work education

Teachers do it. Nurses do it. It is an Children would still be supported, plans anomaly that we stand alone in social work not doing it. We should split would still be made, social workers social work education at the point of would still have managerial oversight, entry by asking students to specialise and the council’s care plans would in either children’s or adult services, still be challenged by court-appointed with modules covering respective allied guardians. specialisms such as disability, looked Phasing IROs into frontline practice after, and mental health within each again would bring a great deal of branch of education. experience back into the field, and Such specialist training will create a significantly streamline the child workforce that is better-equipped, protection assessment, intervention, better-prepared, and better-steeled for and review cycle. the task at hand.

If we are to keep IROs, then we should at least give more credence to how Ask children what they want they can be truly ‘independent.’ Many I have never once had a child tell me families I have supported question that they feel safer because a group of how ‘independent’ someone paid by the same council as their social worker professionals in a council building have created a 15-point child protection plan really is - it’s a fair point. with their name upon it.

Scrap arbitrary review timescales

My life does not neatly fit in three, six, and twelve-month cycles, and neither do those of the children and families I support. Once a child becomes subject to a child protection plan, we expect their needs will be overseen by such arbitrary timescales. This is ineffective, inefficient and undynamic.

26

Conversely, I have had hundreds of children tell me that they do feel safer because they have a consistent social worker or family support worker in their life who has the time for them, is specialised in meeting their needs, and will to be around as long as they need.

The most important people in social work are the children we support, and their views matter most of all. Period.

NSPCC Learning is here for anyone who works with children. You can access research and resources, learn about key topics and find training to help you protect children.

Training

Resources

Consultancy

We have a range of elearning courses, live virtual training and face-to-face training.

We keep you up to date with the latest child protection research, policy and practice, and can send you regular safeguarding news.

We provide safeguarding information, guidance, and consultancy services led by child protection experts.

Find out more at nspcc.org.uk/learning

28 EIGHT PRODUCTS TO HELP CHILDREN COPE WITH ANXIETY From toys, books, and letters, to apps and meditation tools, here are a few resources we think you’ll love.

Magni Rings

Pocket Dolls

Magical Fairy Letters

The newest fidget toy on the market is this set of three spinning rings lined with super-strong rare earth magnets that you can spin, flip, play, trick, and stick. Kids will love watching YouTube tutorials to learn how to perform tricks.

These dolls - small enough to fit in a pocket or pencil case as a secret friend - are specifically designed to support children with anxiety.

The International Elf Service is a unique letter writing resource that provides bespoke fairy letters to help children cope with anxious times.

Each doll comes with an essential oil which can be used on the child’s pulse points or directly on the doll itself to provide comfort.

Each letter contains special advice to help a child cope with their anxieties, and topics include: ‘The worry blaster,’ ‘The bad dream chaser,’ ‘Secrets & trust,’ and ‘Missing a loved one.’

They can be effectively used by children with anxiety as a distraction whenever they feel overwhelmed.

Available from Amazon, £4

Available from etsy.com/uk/shop/ RewsApothecary, £24

internationalelfservice.com, £4.95

Emotions Toolkit This resource helps children develop the skills they need to regulate their emotions and build resilience.

Young children learn how the characters in a short story deal with challenging emotions, whilst older children discover simple neuroscience.

Children also learn how mindfulness Positive Pants and breathing techniques can help them feel more calm and self-confident. Positive Pants have been created to help children start their day with a Available on emotionstoolkit.com, £45 positive mindset.

The Invisible String, by Patrice Karst & Joanne Lew-Vriethoff This book - which has sold more than 400,000 copies worldwide - was recommended to parent Katy Whitelaw after her daughter was affected by separation anxiety.

Positive Pants also run workshops to help children understand ways to manage their wellbeing using crafts and exercises to promote positivity.

Available from positivepants.co.uk, £7.99 each or 3 for £20

“This is a lovely comforting story about a pair of twins who want to be with their mum, and she reassures them that even when they are not together, she is always with them through the ‘invisible string’ which connects them,” says Katy.

Available from Amazon, £7.59

Zappy Cells Meditation This free meditation tool has been designed specifically for children by renowned therapist Marissa Peer.

This unique video uses a child’s imagination to help them overcome any anxiety related to health, immunity, and hygiene. It can be an effective resource for children who have developed anxiety during the pandemic.

MyCognition ED This NHS-approved app takes the form of a fun training game (AquaSnap), and is designed to help children improve their mental resilience.

Meditation is proven to help children reduce anxiety, boost emotional and physical health, and improve sleep.

It is clinically validated and currently used in 50 UK schools. Data can be confidentially collected and monitored, making it an effective tool for early interventions. Just 15 minutes a day can optimise a child’s cognitive health, mental wellbeing, and resilience to stress, improving behaviour and academic potential.

Free from marisapeer.com/zappy-cells

Available on Apple and Android

30 WHEN SOCIAL WORKERS NEED SOCIAL WORKERS I don’t think social workers give enough thought to how people feel when we come into their homes,” says Michael Wood.

circumstances - I think it’s always hard when things are difficult at home and difficult at work,” says the 39-year-old.

“We know we’re there to help, but I do think more time and training should be given to understanding how people really feel in those difficult moments.”

“I don’t think it helps that supervision doesn’t really take into account the emotional impact of the job, and how you’re coping. Often it’s just about case management and doesn’t always feel like a safe enough space to be able to say the things you need to.

Michael speaks from experience.

“I ALSO THINK PEOPLE IN OUR

In August 2019, after struggling for months with his mental health, Michael ended up being voluntarily admitted to a mental health ward.

LINE OF WORK WORRY THAT, BY

“My struggles were partly about work, and partly about personal

THEY’RE CAPABLE OF THE JOB.

“Often, we’re seeing people at their most vulnerable.

ADMITTING THEY’RE HAVING TROUBLE, PEOPLE WILL MAKE JUDGEMENTS ABOUT WHETHER

“ONE OF THE THINGS THAT WORRIED ME MOST DURING THAT TIME, AS I WAS BEING ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL, WAS THAT IT MIGHT MEAN THE END OF MY CAREER.”

“One of the things that worried me most during that time, as I was being admitted to hospital, was that it might mean the end of my career.”

18 MONTHS ON, MICHAEL IS

Michael was working as a social worker in the child protection team in North Tyneside, a job he’d been doing for 14 years.

SOCIAL WORKERS IN HIS TEAM.

“When I spoke with the crisis team, I definitely felt that there was this expectation that, because I’m a social worker, I should have known how to access help earlier,” says Michael.

“The truth is, if you’re in crisis, and you’re struggling with difficult thoughts, you’re not rational.”

Michael says he wasn’t resistant to the involvement of social services, and did find the intervention helpful, though he found it hard when he crossed paths with someone that he knew from his professional life.

“My first day in the hospital, I was in the communal room when the Mental Health OT husband of a colleague walked down the corridor towards me.

I just froze.

“That was tough, I’d wanted to be able to control who saw me like this, and that really opened my eyes to people’s vulnerabilities, and what it’s like for them when we come into their homes, their safe space.”

HEALTHY, AND BACK WORKING IN A NEW ROLE AS AN ADVANCED PRACTITIONER SUPPORTING

He says he feels his experience has given him a unique insight that he’s now keen to share with other professionals.

“I know there are other people in the teams where I work who have had mental health struggles, but it’s not really talked about, and that’s what I think needs to change,” he says.

“I regularly have one-to-one case discussions with social workers, and the first thing I do on a call is check in with how they’re doing and what their day has been like.

“So much of this job is about the support you get from colleagues in the room, so with all of us shut away in our own homes, it’s vital we reach out to one another.

“I really want people to know that what happened to me can happen to anyone, and there’s no need for shame.

Most importantly, there is always a path back. With help, we can recover, go back to work, and live the lives we were living before.”

INSIDE SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2021 “Social work is a difficult and challenging profession at the best of times,” says Sarah Blackmore, Executive Director of Strategy, Policy and Engagement at Social Work England.

“Social workers make such a profound difference to millions of peoples lives across the country each day, and often go unrecognised in doing so.

THIS MONTH, THEY WILL LAUNCH THEIR FIRST - AND ENTIRELY VIRTUAL - SOCIAL WORK WEEK 2021 PROGRAMME, JAM-PACKED WITH INTERACTIVE EVENTS, SPEAKERS, AND WORKSHOPS.

Sarah says: “Through our outreach work and our conversations with social “We’re really keen to put social workers workers, we knew there was a real appetite for a week like this and, for us, front and centre, raising the profile of it’s a really significant opportunity to the profession, and making sure as continue and develop our relationship many people as possible realise and recognise the value that social workers with the sector. bring to society.”

“We’re a new specialist social work Social Work England took over the regulation of social workers in England in December 2019, just weeks before the start of the pandemic.

regulator, and everything we’re doing for Social Work Week 2021 is based around engagement, dialogue, and collaboration.

33 When it comes to personal highlights on the programme, both women have some favourites.

Morwenna says: “We had an email from somebody recently referring to an LGBTQ+ session, and saying they couldn’t believe we were running a session on this, that it’s an area that’s been so under-represented in social work for years, and that it was a joy to see it on the programme.

“That was really nice, as you rarely get emails like that as a big regulator!

“Our key themes are ‘understanding your regulators,’ ‘social work and me living the professional standards,’ and ‘equality, diversity, and inclusion: social work perspectives’ and ‘what next for social work’.”

Morwenna Foden, Head of Strategic Engagement at Social Work England, is the architect of the event, and says that Social Work Week 2021 represents an opportunity for social workers everywhere, and at every level to come together - after a difficult year - to learn, reflect, and share practice.

“Our target audience is a very mixed bag of social work practitioners at all levels, including social work leaders and social work students, as well as everyone else with an interest in social work, including people with lived experience of social work,” she says.

“WE WANT THEM TO BE ABLE TO SPEND SOME TIME TOGETHER, REFLECTING ON THEIR PRACTICE, LEARNING TOGETHER, AND CELEBRATING SOCIAL WORKERS.

“It’s something that doesn’t feel very revolutionary to us - it was absolutely clear as we looked through the programme that we needed to represent that diversity, and make sure we had as many issues as possible covered.

“I’m also really looking forward to a neurodiversity seminar, which has already sold out.”

Events kick off on Monday March 8th, and will run until Friday March 12th.

More than 15,000 bookings have already been registered for events.

Sarah, who will be giving a talk on women in leadership herself on the first day, which coincides with International Women’s Day, adds: “There are so many things across that week that I’m really keen to be a part of. Two that stand out for me are a session on antisemitism, and the other is a talk by two absolutely inspirational social work students - Omar Mohamed and Diana Katoto - that I’m really looking forward to.”

In addition to live sessions, recordings of most sessions will be available for those who want to watch them back.

Visit socialworkweek.org.uk for details, where tickets can still be booked for many sessions.

“We asked for expressions of interest to deliver workshops and talks throughout the week, and we had more than 70 responses, so we’re really proud that this is a programme of events that is truly for the sector, and by the sector.”

34

SOCIAL WORKERS WITH TATTOOS For many people, the subject of tattoos provokes a Marmite reaction.

“I CERTAINLY EXPERIENCED

In the past four decades, tattoos have done the rounds - from statement rockers, to celtic band-loving pop fans, to...well, pretty much everybody else.

BIAS DUE TO MY ‘ALTERNATIVE

But while tattoos were once considered as having absolutely no place in the professional arena, we’re now seeing a serious shift in attitude when it comes to body art. So is it acceptable for social workers to have tattoos?

says Tilia Lenz, a Senior Lecturer of Social Work and CPD at Bournemouth University, who began working as a frontline social worker in 2006.

PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LOOKS’ OVER THE YEARS”

“Today though, tattoos and body art are not just for the perceived outsiders

of society, but are adorned by many professionals, and employer’s views and attitudes are changing.

“As a social worker, the ‘use of self’ is the most important tool in practice, and my appearance has opened more doors than it’s closed.

“Now I see many social work students with body art, who will further push back dated views and, hopefully, make our world more colourful and accepting.”

@DavetheCareBear Social workers/trainees/social work employers...Visible tattoos ( face, neck, hands) what are your thoughts?? @socialworktutor

@84kris

‘Some of the best social workers I’ve ever worked with have had visible tattoos. They often prove as an ice breaker and interesting conversation point when working with clients.’

‘I have visible tattoos...a sleeve and a bunch on my back going all up my neck which you see with most tops I wear. I don’t think it’s the issue it once was!’

@yyhas

‘I’ve a visible tattoo and never had issue raised with it. The best manager I ever had had two full sleeves, bald head, massive beard, and drove a Harley Davidson. I’ve known social workers with piercings, all manner of hair colours, etc. No issues ever arose.’

‘Makes no difference to me! I interview student social workers for degree programmes and interview qualified social workers for permanent positions, tattoos would not influence or impact my views/decision making, as long as appropriate/not offensive! I’ve met many good SWs with visible tattoos!’ @poisonpinkdaisy ‘I have a number of tattoos, none visible with sleeves, but I don’t make a point of covering them. I’ve never had a problem from the people I’ve worked alongside...many dubious looks from other ‘professionals’. I was once asked to cover them. I politely declined.’ @darrenmccourt ‘A large proportion of service users will have tattoos so I think it can help create a common ground. Offensive or rude clearly exempt. I have a quarter sleeve and the children at times colour my stars with pens.’ @hsumersford ‘I have one small one and have been flirting for years to get one on my inside forearm, but was worried about how it would be perceived, as I knew I wanted to be a social worker.’ @traceyJ9239748 ‘I think they tell the story of that person’s life, warts and all.’

@twinklesea0

@bethlaar ‘I have visible tattoos on my forearms and wrists and I love having them on show! It just shows the people we work with that we too are human.’ @caustin131 ‘I have a fair few that are visible on my arms and calf. I never had any issues with them whilst working in social care, however, when I worked in a school there was some negative reaction from management.’ @duane_phillips_ ‘I think my point of view is similar to police policy. “You should not have tattoos which could be considered discriminatory, racist, sexist, sectarian, homophobic, violent, intimidating, or offensive”.’ @davearossiter ‘Given the political (big and small p) nature of LA work when you reach upper echelons, I can imagine it limiting options in senior management. Might even be a correlation between majority party and likelihood of promotion.’

36 THE 3 KEY STEPS TO SELF CARE SOCIAL WORK IS AN EXTREMELY STRESSFUL PROFESSION. THE PRESSURES OF BUDGET CUTS AND HIGH CASELOADS MEAN THAT MANY PRACTITIONERS ARE INCREASINGLY AFFECTED

BY STRESS AND ANXIETY. According to the new textbook, ‘How to thrive in professional practice. A self-care handbook’ there are three key elements to self-care that influence our resilience and productivity - sleep, exercise, and nutrition. With this in mind, here are some helpful tips to help you to take care of yourself.

SLEEP

EXERCISE

A good night’s sleep is the foundation The mental health benefits of a of everything we do, allowing our workout are well known, as well as bodies to reset, and enabling our minds giving you some dedicated me-time. to recover from stress and emotional trauma. Those with positive sleep patterns are likely to feel more relaxed and positive, have better digestion, and fewer aches and pains.

SET A REGULAR BEDTIME It sounds simple but a regular bedtime can work wonders, allowing your brain to reset its internal body clock and establish a routine.

NUTRITION Many of us use food and drink to manage our emotions, but food is a valuable fuel source, and what we eat can play a big part in how we feel.

BETTER FOOD = BETTER DIGESTION The food we eat determines our energy levels, regulates hormones, impacts our skin, and drives our sleeping habits. To help maintain a healthy gut, incorporate plenty of fruit and vegetables, avoid fatty food, and limit caffeine and fizzy drinks.

BLUE LIGHT-BLOCKING GLASSES If you’re struggling to fall asleep, it can be tempting to play on your phone or watch TV, but the blue lights emitted through artificial lighting play havoc with your sleep quality. Wear Blue Light Blocking Glasses for up to two hours before bed to reset your circadian rhythm, fall asleep faster, and improve your sleep quality.

10,000 STEPS A DAY Walking is one of the best exercises you can do. It’s low-impact, accessible to all, and - according to the NHS 10,000 steps can burn 500 calories.

YOUTUBE INSPIRATION

LEARN YOUR SLEEP PATTERNS Sleep tracking apps work in a variety of ways, monitoring your heart rate or movement, or using sonar waves and sound detection to interpret the way that you sleep. Apps such as Sleep Cycle and Sleep Score are highly rated for their technical insights.

For a more meditative approach, we recommend Headspace and Calm, which both offer meditation sessions to help you unwind, as well as relaxing stories read to you by celebrities.

YouTube is packed full of informative videos and workout suggestions.

We’re big fans of the nation’s favourite PE teacher Joe Wicks. His ‘The Body Coach’ channel has a variety of easyto-follow workouts designed for all fitness levels, for a quick workout in the comfort of your own home.

MONITOR YOUR INTAKE You may be surprised to realise how many calories you consume each day.

Free apps such as MyFitnessPal can help you to identify positive eating habits. As well as monitoring your calorie intake, you can set specific goals to keep you on track.

KEEP HYDRATED Remaining hydrated is important to keep your body functioning as it should. We all know that we need to drink at least two litres of water a day, but how often do you drink that much?

Pick up a motivational water bottle to help you keep track of your intake.

FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD… Team Manager Graham Brown’s festive viewing of The Wizard of Oz, through the eyes of a safeguarding social worker.

39 A

s I found room for ‘just one more’ mini Bounty, sat lonely in the Celebrations tub, my mind turned back to work.

Instead of the usual anxiety, however, I felt optimistic that I would be returning to new routines that will be in place long after the forgotten resolutions this time of year tends to evoke.

My Local Authority, Lancashire, is implementing a new Family Safeguarding Model that focuses on freeing up social workers to build relationships with families by cutting down on bureaucracy. It’s very exciting.

As I sank further into the couch, 1939 classic The Wizard of Oz came on.

If anything could take my mind off work, it would be this colourful cast of whimsical characters. However, I quickly realised it’s impossible not to draw parallels between this film’s themes and a whole plethora of issues relating to social care.

I was starting to complete an assessment of Dorothy in my head - identifying her support needs, and trying to remember if our local supported-living complex welcomed dogs - but the premise of Family Safeguarding, and how it grants permission to practice empathetic, outcome-focussed social work, had taken over my mind. The film was now leading me down the Yellow Brick Road and, just as it showed Dorothy the way to Oz, it was feeding my ideas around our new Family Safeguarding Model.

in such a complex and nuanced job requires a commitment to think, reflect, analyse, and create.

First of all, overriding and underpinning everything, social workers need a heart. I have never met a ‘Tin Man’ social worker who practices without compassion and care for the families they work with. However I have seen blanket approaches used, hurried visits, and risk-averse decisions that must make the families we work with question if the service they received was heartfelt.

STRENGTHS AS THE BASIS FOR

The Family Safeguarding Model is built on empathy and compassion, encouraging families to invest in us as much as we invest in them.

WE HAVE DOROTHY - A HOMELESS

Being proud to wear your heart on your sleeve - or your lanyard - can be a real TRAUMA OF HER DOG BEING TAKEN driving force in inspiring change.

TEEN, EXPOSED TO THE EARLY AWAY. SHE IS GIVEN SPARKLY NEW SHOES FROM AN UNKNOWN ADULT AND SPENDS NEARLY THE ENTIRE FILM MISSING FROM HOME.

I’ve also never seen a social worker work without a brain. We have a specialist role, degree qualifications, and development requirements through Social Work England. Working

In the film, the cowardly Lion seems to think that he has to fight to prove he is tough, and we all can relate to sometimes feeling our work is a battle. I have read reports stating families have ‘failed to engage.’ Why aren’t we brave enough to take some responsibility for this? Engagement is a construct, and it ebbs and flows.

BY RECOGNISING FAMILY PROGRESS, BEING COURAGEOUS, AND ACCEPTING RISK AND UNCERTAINTY, WE OPEN THE DOOR TO FAMILIES TRUSTING US WITH THEIR EXPERIENCES. At the end of the film, Dorothy finds herself back in Kansas finding all the things she learned she knew all along. And while I do think Family Safeguarding is a big culture shift, it is far from revolutionary. We already know that if we are kind, willing to learn and develop, it is much more likely to result in positive outcomes. Sometimes we just need a Yellow Brick Road to help us remember and get us back to where we should be.

This article has been trimmed for print.

Please visit mysocialworknews.com to read the full article online.

Author Steve Brotherton explains how his years as a social worker led him on a journey of self-reflection

SOCIAL WORK HELPED TO HEAL MY EARLY TRAUMA” My life was fractured by my dad’s death when I was seven.

Years later I came to realise how his death had impacted my selfperception, shaping my view of the world, and the way I related to others.

FOR A LONG TIME, I RETREATED INSIDE MY HEAD, CREATING STORIES, EMBRACING SOLITUDE. Dad’s death changed my relationship with my mum, who became a widow at forty-three, and my brother and sister.

In 1979, I met my first love. When our love died a year later, I wasn’t surprised. I expected people to leave, that’s just the way the world was.

In February 1984 I walked into a job centre in Wednesbury, picked up a

card for a part-time care assistant, and started a social work career that would carry me across three decades.

My working days were made up of joy, sadness, laughter, and tears in equal measure, but they also gave me a way of reaching out to a fractured sevenyear-old and helping him to survive.

One of the first essays I wrote on my Diploma in Social Work was called ‘The Importance of Me in the Social Work Relationship.’ It had a profound effect.

I’d never thought about the impact of my life on me, the reasons why I became the person I was, the survival strategies I’d had to develop in order to cope with the reality of each day.

I OWE SOCIAL WORK A RAVINE DEEP BUCKET OF GRATITUDE. It taught me about the impact of earlylife trauma on our development, to try and let go of the guilt, to ignore the

40

voice on your shoulder that whispers messages of gloom and doom.

MOST OF ALL IT TAUGHT ME TO HAVE A BETTER RELATIONSHIP WITH MYSELF. For a council estate kid born in the 60s, there was no such thing as bereavement counselling. Social work started me on my journey of personal reflection, helping me piece together the way in which I was created.

I decided to write my story. I secured a publishing deal and my first book, ‘Fractures, Dreams and Second Chances’ will be published May 28th.

The publishing deal, while nice, isn’t the point; the healing process is. I’m grateful to social work for showing me how to recover, and to the story, for allowing me to go back in time and comfort a fractured boy, showing him the route to a second chance.

SOCIAL CARE CAREER OPPORTUNITIES. Whilst many aspects of life have been put on hold, we want you to know that social care recruitment hasn’t.

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They are actively looking to recruit qualified social work professionals just like you to safeguard vulnerable children, young people and adults.

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42 #SWNMAG Our social media snapshot

We love our online community; it’s a great way for us to keep up with everything that’s going on with you all - upcoming events, issues and concerns, celebrations and milestones, and the issues that are important to you. Follow us on Twitter to share your comments @myswnews

#SocialWorkDinnerParty Who’s worth a ‘follow,’ and who would make the guest list of your dream social work dinner party? @DrARoeschMarsh ‘@BeresfordPeter would be top of the list for me - would love to talk to him about our changing discourse around ‘lived experience’ - also @VivCree would love to talk about where next for feminist social work’ @DavetheCareBear ‘@SiobhanMaclean @DrNeilThompson @MalcolmPayne @ruth_edmond @suzannezeedyk @LauraSteckley ADrARoeschMarsh’ @MWood ‘People of influence and those I admire…@Acsocialwork @familyfinders L_LisaCherry @lizzywends @BreneBrown @stephenrollnick @steve_rogowski @Harr_Ferguson’ @alambilstar ‘I’d love to talk to @IsabelleTrowler and @socialworktutor about ACTUALLY changing things - red tape, bureaucracy, training, etc. I’d love time with @dr_treisman and @DrJessTaylor to learn/talk about REAL trauma informed practice. Also @sarah_lloyd15 - amazing support for under-developed sensory systems which I see in many families I work with, and @Mr_Al_ Coates about NVR which would help loads I work with too! One big party!’

#SocialWorkInCovid advice: @LouiseWatson27 I’ve noticed since not being physically in the office and with my teams that I’ve struggled to ‘shut off’ and think/dream about work a lot which leads into a degree of anxiousness. Have others found this? If so what tips do you have? @DavetheCareBear ‘I’ve found writing down my thoughts for the day, even if useless, to be a great help, it’s like a purge...I also really look forward to @SW_student_con weekly webinar as I’ve started to recognise some people’s names.’ @GB_FamilySafe ‘Just remember we aren’t working from home, we are trying our best to do our job whilst being at home! Do what you can in the best way you can. There will always be another job on the list.’ @MaxHawker ‘A ONCE-A-WEEK VIDEO CATCH-UP WITH YOUR TEAM TO SIMPLY CHAT AND BE THERE FOR EACH OTHER.’ @Ant_Vaughan ‘Everyone is trying to do their best and Your must-have resources: Job moves don’t judge others because their best is what you perceive as better or worse. @Teresa_BroughPE Congratulations to Catherine Driscoll We don’t know what our colleagues ‘@SW_student_con webinars are great.’ - former Director of Children, Families, have going on at any time. The same is and Communities at Worcester County @melthornton5 said for the people we work with.’

Council - who has just taken over as Director of Children’s Services at ‘Two books by @colbypearce ‘A @jeffers_lyndsey Dudley Council; and Amana Gordon short introduction to Attachment and ‘As a social work student, I’ve a literal - former Corporate Director for Attachment Disorder’ and ‘A short handwritten list of things that make me Children’s Social Care at Walthamstow introduction to Promoting Resilience happy! I aim to do at least 2-3 every Town Hall - and the new Operational in Children. Really good books for day! Prioritise, take action even if just Director of Children & Young People practitioners and carers.’ for 5/10 mins. Remembering my best is Services at LBHF. @kelcentro always enough!’ @samfugill

‘@SIOBHANMACLEAN

‘1) Run EVERY day without fail. 2) Drink Tea. 3) Go easy on social media. 4) Don’t moan. 5) Ring a colleague at random just for a laugh.’

RESOURCES ARE ALWAYS MY

@ChazPScott ‘Find your office buddy who is also at home and stick them on Zoom. Don’t necessarily have to talk all the time but have them in the background to talk to as you get on with things!’

Gratitude on the frontline

Social worker @edddonovan posted: ‘Reminded of how privileged and grateful I am to work alongside people ALSO @MALCOLMPAYNE’S and their families when I received this HOW TO USE SOCIAL WORK note today: ‘Where Robins fly, when THEORY IN PRACTICE.’ shadows pass you by, look up to the stars, and remember I am here right by your side. To Edd, my social worker, @markamsw1 my friend, my mentor. One day this will ‘Social Work, Cats and Rocket Science mean something hopefully.’ must read for all!’

GO TO - BOOKS AND CARDS,

44

YOUNG PEOPLE’S VOICES MUST BE FRONT AND CENTRE” Emily Dobson, Policy and Parliamentary Officer at Young Minds, explains the work being done to champion positive mental health amongst children and young people.

Parents must remember that young people do have fluctuating emotions, and it’s normal for moods to change.

But if a parent notices that their child is consistently struggling, or their behaviour has changed, then they should talk to them and encourage them to open up about their feelings.

We often tell parents to trust their instincts. If they are concerned that something deeper is happening, then they should look at the resources we have freely available on our website or phone our parental helpline.

MENTAL HEALTH ISN’T ALWAYS AN EASY TOPIC TO DISCUSS. THAT’S WHY WE’VE CREATED A SERIES OF RESOURCES DESIGNED TO HELP PARENTS OR CARERS CREATE A RELAXED ENVIRONMENT. The resources were developed by our volunteers, and we’re continually trying to create practical resources which can navigate this complex issue.

A

s a national charity, specialising in young people’s mental health, our goal is to ensure that young people have access to the mental health support they need.

We also work hard to support parents and families. Our website - which is packed full of resources created for, and by, young people - has a dedicated section for parents, and we run a helpline service specifically for adults who have concerns about their child.

image concerns can contribute.

Historically, it’s been difficult for young people to access support. There may be long waiting lists or variable support, which is why we welcome the fact that the government has tried to address this through the NHS longterm plan.

LOOKING FORWARD, THE BEST WAY TO SUPPORT YOUNG PEOPLE IS TO ENSURE THAT

We work closely with other professionals and organisations to help them improve support services, and regularly campaign for policy changes.

We believe young people’s voices must be front and centre when it comes to mental health support.

EARLY INTERVENTION WORK

Mental health concerns are complex and can be dependent upon a wide range of factors. Experiences such as abuse, discrimination, or poverty can have lasting implications. As young people grow up, issues such as loneliness, stress, bullying, or body

Throughout 2020, it’s clear that the coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on young people’s mental health. The NHS reported that one in six young people had a ‘probable’ mental health problem in 2020, as opposed to one in eight in 2017.

OR PREVENTATIVE WORK IS PRIORITISED. THIS MEANS THAT HELP IS AVAILABLE WHEN A PERSON STARTS TO STRUGGLE.

We must teach people how to identify what could be a burgeoning mental health problem, especially in schools.

As of September 2020, the curriculum has changed to include more content on mental health and emotions, and this is positive. We need to teach young people how to interpret their own emotions and let them know where they can go to get help.

Looking more generally, we need the professionals working with young people to feel confident in identifying those people who may be struggling and connect them with further support.

We offer a wide variety of online training; some are introductory courses whilst others specialise in specific areas. Our courses - focusing on issues such as social media, identifying trauma, and how to build resilience amongst young people - can be tailored to different age groups, so social workers may be interested in learning more about mental health with younger children, or focusing on work with adolescents.

Visit youngminds.org.uk for details.

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MY YEARS AS A SOCIAL WORK CINDERELLA”

Social worker Matt Bee spent years trying on roles until finding the perfect fit…

I

have bumped around the job market like a bluebottle in a thunderstorm.

I’d spend a little while building motorway bridges, cleaning factories, selling furniture, delivering leaflets, writing for newspapers, washing cars, or working in a sexual health clinic, then I’d move on, because nothing ever felt right.

FOR AGES I THOUGHT THIS MEANT

naive I was. Despite all the warnings about stress and fatigue, I still assumed social work would prove an enriching experience. Helping people feels good - so getting paid to help people must feel great - right?

ONCE QUALIFIED I QUICKLY DISCOVERED SOCIAL WORKERS SPEND MUCH OF THEIR TIME RACKED WITH STRESS AND GUILT; FOREVER WORRYING ABOUT THINGS THEY HAVEN’T GOTTEN ROUND TO YET.

I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG. BUT MAYBE BY REFUSING TO SETTLE FOR A DUFF CAREER, I

Occasionally they get a cup of tea and a Kit-Kat, but otherwise it’s a slog.

So what are you supposed to do after you’ve spent all that time, money, and effort qualifying? For me, the Think about it: you reach adulthood answer was simple. Like some sort of with no idea of who you are, barely any vocational Cinderella, I kept on trying understanding of how the world works, different social work roles until I found and you’re expected to know with cast- the perfect fit. I’m glad I did, today I iron certainty which career to plump for. wouldn’t change my job for the world.

WAS DOING EVERYTHING RIGHT?

Before entering the social work sector, I’m almost embarrassed to admit how

As a society I feel like we have an unhealthy outlook on work – as if our 47

employers are our spouses and we should stay with them for life. As such, we have an incredibly high tolerance to unhappiness at work. So much so that when workers across 142 countries were polled recently, it was discovered that only 13% were actually ‘engaged’ at work.

Overwhelmingly, most employees are pretty unhappy. Would you put up with this in any other arena of your life?

Actually, you might. You might stay in an unhappy relationship, because many of us do, but changing a job is so much easier than changing a partner.

LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO BE MISERABLE IF YOU CAN HELP IT. SO, YES, MY CV READS LIKE A TELEPHONE DIRECTORY and I know future potential employers will view me with deep suspicion, and you may end up in a worse job than the one you have now. But it is more likely to work out. by persevering, you can eventually find your happy place.

48 SPRING 2021 READING LIST ‘Surviving Lockdown. Human Nature in Social Isolation’ David Cohen, Routledge, £12.99 Psychologist David Cohen wrote this book to examine how isolation can impact relationships, children, and mental health, using his trademark wit and humour to examine the lessons of past pandemics.

Cohen explores what other psychologists have said about human behaviour during periods of isolation, providing insight into what we can learn about ourselves, and how we can use this in the future.

This book could be beneficial to social workers working with those affected by social isolation and loneliness.

‘Social Work and Covid-19.

Lessons for education and practice’ Edited by Denise Turner, Critical Publishing, £17.99

‘How to thrive in professional practice. A self-care handbook’ Stephen J Mordue, Lisa Watson and Steph Hunter, Critical Publishing, £14.99

The book examines the pressing issues that were facing the social work sector pre-pandemic, and how the crisis exposed them. It explores a wide range of contemporary issues, and each contributor provides a different perspective into how we can view social work practice - from digital education, to experiences of safeguarding children through the pandemic, and opportunities for practice learning.

If you are struggling with the effects of social worker burnout, this book may interest you. As social workers themselves, the writers understand the unique pressures faced by the sector and, as such, have developed a practical handbook to help readers.

This book is an effective tool that could be used to help practitioners think creatively about how to change the ways that they work for the better.

We were particularly interested in the chapter on ‘Achieving professional emotional regulation,’ which helps to explain how social workers can develop their emotional intelligence.

It starts with a look at the fundamental principles of self-care, evaluating why social workers are reluctant to prioritise their wellbeing, and includes reflective tasks for the reader to complete.

THESE ARE SOME OF THE BOOKS THAT HAVE MADE THE SOCIAL WORK NEWS’ READING LIST THIS TERM.

‘Caring in Covid’ The National Care Forum, free e-book This free e-book is a fantastic resource, featuring stories about care, communities and leadership during the Covid pandemic.

This piece of social history, compiled by the NCF, records and highlights the incredible response from frontline workers, brought together as a collection of real life stories.

‘Young refugees and asylum seekers. The truth about Britain’

‘Be Kind. The little book filled with love, hope, and kindness to lift your spirits’

Declan Henry, Critical Publishing, £19.99

Curated by Camilla Fellas Arnold, Tescassia Publishing, £8.99

Social worker Declan Henry offers an insight into the challenges faced by young asylum seekers, helping to understand why young people come to the UK seeking asylum, as well as dispelling myths and misconceptions.

If you need a dose of inspiration to lift your spirits, this pocket book of sunshine is the perfect tonic.

The compendium is a true reflection of It features practical information and the role that care providers have played advice, and explores how social workers can effectively help young in the fight against COVID-19. asylum seekers to rebuild their lives.

Henry’s book is clear and easy to read; the use of subheadings makes it an effective resource for social workers to dip in and out of. It’s also full of case studies that allow readers to understand the plight of young refugees, and a guide to organisations that can be contacted for support.

Designed to be dipped in and out of, this handbag resource is packed full of short stories, poetry, and affirmations to use yourself, or show to others who may be going through a difficult time.

These are words all social workers would love to be able to say with confidence.

AT A CHILDREN’S THERAPEUTIC CARE CENTRE IN BLACKPOOL, THERE’S A NEWFOUND

they are upskilling foster carers and preparing young people for life within a family environment.

The centre is a collaboration between Blackpool Council, and social work solutions provider Innovate Services, and is the first of its kind in England.

Vicki: Essentially, many foster care placements or family reunions break down because the therapeutic care needs of the child are not being met.

The purpose of our collaboration with Blackpool Council is to transition young people (aged 11 to 18) out of long-term residential care to give them a place of permanency.

Two key social workers within the Innovate Services team, Therapeutic Lead Kerry Robertson and Operational Support Lead Vicki Lindup, explain how - together with the support of highlyskilled educational psychologists, therapists and residential carers -

Kerry: Young people stay at the therapeutic care centre for 16 weeks.

During this time, our team works to understand their trauma and help them find ways to tackle their emotions and behaviours. At the same time, we identify suitable foster carers who have

CONFIDENCE FOR PERMANENTLY TRANSITIONING CHILDREN OUT OF RESIDENTIAL CARE.

51 can create negative behavioural patterns that foster carers may find too challenging to manage.

Kerry: At the centre of our work sits the child’s voice. We use lots of different interventions and therapeutic work, including play therapy, to help children understand and regulate their behaviour in a safe space. When they transition back home, to a foster family or into independent living, they do so with much more confidence and acceptance.

Vicki: My personal motivation is the difference I can make in children’s lives. I know it sounds cliché, but you really hope you have made a difference when working in residential care for so many years.

I AM SHARING MY 13 YEARS OF KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE IN RESIDENTIAL CARE TO ESTABLISH POLICIES, VALUES AND STRUCTURES THAT ARE THERAPEUTIC. THIS IS the heart of every decision we make.

POWERFUL WORK AND A Speaking as someone who has over PRIVILEGE TO BE A PART OF. 16 years of supporting children in their recovery from early years trauma, every opportunity should be a therapeutic Kerry: Just like everyone, I pushed opportunity. the boundaries as a teenager, but I Vicki: We also see the first few weeks always felt loved and had a sense THIS MEANS THAT AS A SERVICE, of a placement as being incredibly WE MUST THINK THERAPEUTICALLY of belonging. It’s healthy for young important. That’s why the same team people to go through this and have ABOUT EVERY PROCESS WE who supported the young person at the time to risk-take under an umbrella CREATE AND THE ACTION WE TAKE. centre provides therapeutic outreach of security. Not every child has that support for the first 12 weeks. In doing opportunity, and so I wanted to find a this, we are building strong foundations way of helping children, families, and Vicki: Our therapeutic care centre for placement stability. carers develop secure relationships. is a great example of this. Many As a team, we’re redefining how young young people entering our care have Why is therapeutic care so people exit residential care, and that’s experienced trauma during their early important? incredibly motivating. years and struggle with attachment. the skills to understand and support each young person’s therapeutic care needs. We involve the foster carers and parents (where appropriate) at an early stage so the child remains at the centre of all decisions.

Kerry: The therapeutic aspect of what we do at the centre is essential. It is at

This shapes how they settle into family life since their lived experience

Visit innovateservices.com/high-costplacement for more details.

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