Calling it Out – Diversity and Racism in the Social Care and Social Work Workforce
Racism is never acceptable in any form and when we hear about it happening to those people who support the most vulnerable in our community, it seems all the more appalling. Why do we need a diverse social work and social care workforce, and how can we ensure we protect those who are part of it? These are some of the big questions guiding this episode of the Care to Chat podcast. In this captivating episode titled “Calling it out – Diversity and Racism in the Social Care and Social Work Workforce”, we welcome inspiring experts who have unique and relevant experiences and understanding of this complex issue, including why a diverse workforce is a strength and how important it is to do the work to ensure employers are able to support their staff when this happens. In the studio with our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE, are qualified nurse Beverly Simpson, Co-chair of the Black and Migrant Workers Group in UNISON NI, Ineke Houtenbos, Senior Safeguarding Training Consultant and the chair of the Black Worker Support Group, NSPCC, Aine Morrison, Chief Social Worker, Department of Health and John Patrick Clayton, Head of Bargaining and Representation, UNISON NI. Content warning: The episode deals with sensitive issues related to racism and other forms of discrimination. If this topic raises sensitive or triggering emotions for you, now may not be the right time for you to listen to it. Look after yourself when listening to this and ensure you seek support if you need it.
--------
52:32
--------
52:32
Social care practitioners going above and beyond – Emily and Margaret’s supported living story
Home is where the heart is. That is no truer than during this week’s podcast. Would you have associated a housing association with social care services? Dr Wendy Austin MBE guides the conversation in this episode to cover a variety of perspectives and insights into the world of supported living, disability housing and social care. She covers topics like…what is supported living? Why is it important? What is it like for those who live in supported living housing? And how come most of us don’t know that housing associations, like Triangle Housing, provide it as part of their social care services to the community – well at least until we might need them. What is clear to see is that individual housing choices, such as supported living, are a lifeline for many across Northern Ireland empowering people with a disability to plan where they live and call home. How can we help more people with disabilities live more inclusive lives in the community? Listen to find out!
--------
29:17
--------
29:17
‘Recognising our worth’ – new developments in social care career progression
The professionals who work in social care come from a wide range of backgrounds and work in a range of different settings which can be challenging and demanding. It is also true to say that there is an increasing complexity in the needs of the people they support. This means ensuring there is a well-led, skilled and valued social care workforce in place, is even more important.In this week’s ‘Care to chat?’ podcast we hear about what is happening to support this right now in Northern Ireland with significant developments underway, including the Department for Health’s (DoH) new Social Care Workforce Strategy and the Care in Practice (CiP) Framework. Dr Wendy Austin MBE hears from Ricy D’Cruz, a Care Assistant with Macklin Care Homes, Norah Christie, Head of Operations at Praxis Care, Mervyn Bothwell, a Professional Adviser with the Social Care Council and Jane McMillan, who is a Professional Social Work Officer, Office of Social Services at the Department of Health. They talk about their experiences and understanding of the new Care in Practice Framework (first of its kind) which has been designed to support social care practitioners to develop professionally by providing two interlinked pathways and the creation of a brand-new level 2 qualification. These reforms are a good news story of transformation taking place across health and social care.
--------
39:08
--------
39:08
A conversation about caring
No two carers are the same or are the needs of any one person receiving care the same. Following on from the launch of the ‘Social Care – Making a difference’ campaign launch last week during Carers week (9-15 June), on the latest episode of the ‘Care to chat?’ podcast, we are privileged to have an authentic conversation piecing together the experience of carers and social care. We welcome Gerard McWilliams, from the Social Care Council’s Participation Partnership, Liam Dorrian a social care practitioner Positive Futures and a carer for this family, Áine Magee, Stratagem NI (formerly of Carers NI) and Agnes Lunny, Chief Executive, Positive Futures. They sit down with our host Dr Wendy Austin MBE, to talk about the role, challenges and experiences of Northern Ireland’s 220,000 unpaid carers, according to 2021 Census, as part of social care. They explore the incredible diversity of carers across Northern Ireland. Carers come from all walks of life, and though their carer role and challenges may differ, they share a common theme of resilience, dedication, and compassion.
--------
40:59
--------
40:59
'Making a difference for social work education' - The Practice Teacher role in social work
How can a social work student gain a rich learning experience? And what role do social workers play in training tomorrow's social work professionals?In this week’s ‘Care to chat?’ podcast we hear about this from Dr Denise McDermott, Subject Lead in Social Work, Ulster University, Sarah McCarthy Practice Teacher and social worker with Extern, Ellen Neill a social worker with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and a student Practice Teacher, and social work student Emily Hill. So, what is practice teaching and what are the benefits it brings to those who are practice teachers and those who are getting support form a Practice Teacher as part of their learning journey? In this week’s ‘Care to chat?’ podcast we hear about this from Dr Denise McDermott, Subject Lead in Social Work, Ulster University, Sarah McCarthy Practice Teacher and social worker with Extern, Ellen Neill a social worker with the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust and a student Practice Teacher, and social work student Emily Hill. Interested in becoming a practice teacher? If you are a social worker or organisation who employs social workers, practice teaching could be something worth considering.
About Care to chat? A podcast from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council
Hosted by the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council), and presented by broadcaster Dr Wendy Austin, this podcast series showcases conversations and interviews with people in the social work and social care community, as well as from across the health and social care system. We discuss things that matter to social workers and social care workers, inform their learning and development, address common questions, and talk about what we can do to best support the safe delivery of quality health and social care in Northern Ireland.
Listen to Care to chat? A podcast from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council, The Interview and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
UK