Research shows the average social worker stays in the job for just eight years. Many leave as they are unable to cope with the high level of stress they experience. Developing Resilience for Social Work Practice provides them with a “tool box” of evidence-based strategies to help protect their wellbeing and continue their vital work.

Out this month, the paperback combines the research expertise of Professor of Occupational Health Psychology Gail Kinman, a world-leading specialist in the field of work and wellbeing, and Dr Louise Grant, a Principal Lecturer in Social Work at the University and a former social worker.

Published by Palgrave Macmillan, the book provides social workers with a step by step guide to help them:

• Develop an effective boundary between their work and their home life
• Gain effective supervision from managers to discuss issues of concern and safeguard their wellbeing
• Improve their personal organisation and time management skills
• Change the way they react to stressful situations
• Become more “mindful”, which involves increasing awareness of the ‘here and now’ rather than worrying excessively about the past and the future
• Build their support networks using ‘peer coaching’ techniques to explore solutions to stressful situations

Professor Kinman stated that this comprehensive book will help social workers “manage the day to day stress of the job and protect their health and their job performance”.

“Social work is one of the most stressful professions and the drop-out rate is high. One of the most common reasons for this is burn - out.

“The term 'resilience' refers to a person's capacity to handle difficulties, demands and pressure without experiencing negative effects. In the past, social workers have tended to focus on the nature and impact of resilience in children and adults who have experienced traumatic events. Employers clearly have an important role to play in safeguarding the wellbeing of their employees, but it is increasingly recognised that social workers need to develop their own resilience to manage the emotional demands of the job effectively and sustainably.”

Dr Grant added: “This book is about helping social workers appreciate what resilience is, and how to develop and enhance it to protect their wellbeing,” She also stated that

“It was carefully designed to provide pro-active guidelines to help social workers keep focus on what really matters. We are extremely keen to emphasise that this is not just an academic text book - it focuses on real-life experiences, and uses examples from specialists in the field.

“While it is has been written for social workers, using social work examples, the book could also be helpful for people working in the healthcare professions.”

Both Professor Kinman and Dr Grant have been conducting research in the area for several years. There are also contributions from other experts at the University and social work practitioners including academics in social work, Kelly Alexander, Richard Fountain and Kathryn Jones and in psychology, Sarah Baker and Isabella McMurray.

• See more information and purchase a copy here