News
Latest news
Practice Teacher workshops - Latest online Workshop see below
Just Keep on Practice Teaching
Spring 2020 Workshop Collection
The next in our series of workshops will take place on 27th May from 12 to 2pm. Dr Heather Lynch a lecturer in social work at Glasgow Caledonian University, will discuss "Why environment should matter for social workers" click here to book and place and for further information.
News Bulletin April 2020
Learning Network West
Learning Network West like everyone is trying to understand the new world we currently find ourselves in. We want to keep you informed and are here for your information and support.
We have, in this News Bulletin, included some up to date information which you may find useful and would be happy to distribute further information for a regular news update. Click on link to read Bulletin
Please keep in touch. Have a safe and Happy Easter.
Anne Conlin
Network Manager
Practice Wisdom 15th May 2020
Practice wisdom is in the therapeutic form of a good old laugh this week and shared from discussions at this week’s Lunch Space.
For anyone who has n’t heard of Andrew Cotter and his zoom meeting with his dogs, then please watch the following clip (for those that have, please enjoy again!). For link, please click here: https://youtu.be/fqfWuuyT2co
Have a lovely weekend, Cath
____________________________________
Practice Wisdom - 7th May 2020
This Practice Wisdom comes from Dr Gabor Mate, speaker, physician and author. He is best known for his expertise on addiction, stress, childhood trauma, and the mind-body connection. During this CORONAVIRUS global lockdown, Gabor is providing guidance on coping with isolation, raising emotional awareness and finding opportunities for growth. For link to interview, please click here:
I was super influenced by Gabor when I was working in substance misuse and justice services on being able to listen to where the pain and trauma was for each individual to help understand their behaviour.
In this interview, Gabor touches on social and individual challenges and solutions. He considers that the current higher death rate amongst BME health workers is likely to be from those individuals having a more compromised immune system as a result of being traumatised by existing oppression. In the Keep On Practice Teaching workshop series in April on Supporting BME Students, Dina Sidhva reflected on such multiple disadvantages and on the need for Covid-19 to focus positively on our shared common humanity.
In our next workshop on Wednesday 27th May, Dr Heather Lynch extends this by suggesting that the Covid-19 pandemic has not just exposed inequalities in human structures but also in the human relationship with environment and that we must reconsider our relationship with environments that can both sustain and harm human life. To book a space on this workshop, please click here:
Gabor highlights that the global pandemic can a time of opportunity when we are recognising that we are all connected as one unit. Yet what about the real, day-day signs of ‘untogetherness’ and fear- the anxiety which exists at the supermarket, the queues, when some-one comes too close, the judgement if people are perceived not to be following current rules? Gabor reflects that rational fear is an authentic response to a threat and then we can think about how to protect ourselves. Irrational fear tends to be overwhelm, anxiety and panic. He invites these real, daily situations for us all as opportunities to learn how to be with other people under situations of stress and tension.
I find Gabor to have a really warm, reassuring, compassionate, evidence based approach so have a watch if you get a chance! And remember, this is also a time for tremendous human creativity and inventiveness which demonstrates that human security is created by connection!
Have a lovely weekend, Cath
Focus
Focus Editions:
Resources
Assessed Learning Practice Information Pack
Learning Network West has produced an Assessed Learning Practice Information Pack. The purpose of this information pack is to provide you with an insight into the placing of social work student in a voluntary or private organisation (agency). It includes the benefits of taking on a social work student, the expectations that must be met, those involved within the student placement experience, and how the practice learning opportunities will proceed. Click here to download pack.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness
Autism Spectrum Disorder Awareness Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a life-long condition which cannot be cured but it is not a mental illness.
ASD is categorised by difficulties with:
- Social interaction
- Social communication
- Social imagination and understanding
The Autism Resource Centre (ARC) which is run by Glasgow City Council provides Autism awareness training opportunities for Glasgow City Council staff, other agencies, parents, carers and stakeholders.
The ARC has developed and produced an innovative learning experience which provides Autism awareness as seen through the eyes of a young person with Aspergers Syndrome called Aspen.
Aspergers is a condition linked to ASD. The Team at the ARC want to encourage learners to make their acquaintance with Aspen. This course gives the information and knowledge to help you understand the strengths, differences and difficulties of those on the Autism Spectrum. This is an excellent and fun learning opportunity.
Click here to access.