- About postgraduate study
- Part-time study
- Courses
- Faculties
- UK students
- EU students
- International Students
- How to apply for your course
- Handy Hints
- Open Events
- Student Recruitment
- Money Matters
- About Us
26 May 2010 09:13:23
Creating boundaries, improving time
management skills and ensuring a work-life balance are essential abilities for
professional social workers.
This was among the key messages at a conference organised by the social work and psychology departments at the University to promote the wellbeing of social work trainees.
More than 40 social worker trainees attended the one-day event at Putteridge Bury as part of a national initiative to enhance the resilience of social workers and maximise recruitment and retention in the profession. The event was organised by Louise Grant, Senior Lecturer in Social Work and Gail Kinman, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology.
Introducing the day, Gail and Louise said that building emotional and physical resilience was essential for social workers confronted by large and complex case work.
“Social work is rewarding and very satisfying but there are demands and stresses which we cannot deny or ignore,” said Gail. “It is important that social workers build that resilience so they can maintain their professional and personal wellbeing.”
A series of workshops during the day included a presentation by Siobhan Wray from St George’s Medical School in London who invited students to distinguish between urgent and non-urgent work demands to better manage their time. The importance of peer support was a theme picked up by Sarah Baker who is a research assistant at the University, while Rose Parkes, senior lecturer at De Montfort University, gave advice on relaxation techniques. Sally Jones from the Institute of Psychiatry emphasised the importance of developing thinking skills in order to manage problems effectively.
“The purpose of the workshops was not simply about enabling people to manage stress so they just about cope,” added Gail. “By being aware of these techniques and approaches we hope they can begin to build deep resilience and view their experiences positively.
“This event shows that we value our students' wellbeing.”
A similar event for Bedford social work students is planned for
next month.
Latest news» 2010» May» Conference focuses on wellbeing of social workers
