Social Work Spotlight

In this episode I speak with Vesna from North Macedonia, with more than 20 years of professional experience beginning with volunteering in civil society organisations supporting people at social risk, where she discovered her passion for this profession. Throughout her career, she has worked with different groups, currently focusing on early childhood care, while also actively involved in international projects, non-formal education, and professional training as a lecturer and educator. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: The Streets Smart Model - https://streetsmarts.blogs.auckland.ac.nz/home/thestreetsmartsmodel/ Mellow Parenting program - https://www.mellowparenting.org/ eTwinning projects - https://school-education.ec.europa.eu/en/etwinning/projects Erasmus+ program - https://erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu/ “Life Story Work: A Practical Guide To Helping Children Understand Their Past” (the English book related to Vesna’s approach when writing her own book) - https://dokumen.pub/life-story-work-a-practical-guide-to-helping-children-understand-their-past-9781905664023.html Professor Ranko Rajovic’s work - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxbskgKBLFs Nikola Tesla Learning Centre Learning System - https://ntclearning.com/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wY4d2-IBCVeDtIivj514o8IPI3l9VsOk_89hl-hH2TA/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Gülcan, a social worker from Türkiye, currently living in Serbia. Gülcan has worked in migration and refugee support, child protection, and emergency and crisis settings, with field experience in humanitarian responses during the COVID-19 period, the Syrian refugee crisis, and the 2023 earthquake response in Türkiye. She has also worked with vulnerable children and women living in camps and other protection settings in both Türkiye and Serbia. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Gülcan’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gülcan-güzel-171739196/ Sphere Standards training, especially for humanitarian and emergency response work - https://spherestandards.org/online-courses/ UNICEF’s online learning platform *Agora* (free and certified online courses, including training on child protection, migration, and emergency response) - https://agora.unicef.org/ European Solidarity Corps European Union humanitarian volunteering program - https://youth.europa.eu/solidarity/young-people/volunteering-humanitarian-aid_en “The Swimmers” film, based on the true story of two Syrian sisters and their journey from war and displacement to finding a safe life in Europe - https://youtu.be/ObN4krVV20Y?si=YU5bMInrUMMMie_j This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1KjPSYnopk5ApjKDNYn2YvGi09NLnGlfy_eB2bVHpe_E/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Elizabeth, a first-year PhD student at the University of Bucharest and early career practitioner. Elizabeth has participated in several exchange programs under the Erasmus+ framework, broadening her perspective on social work practices and international collaboration. She has worked in diverse roles supporting older adults and children with autism, allowing her to develop a diverse set of skills and a deeper understanding of different vulnerable populations. Elizabeth is particularly interested in initiatives that promote innovation, inclusion, community development, and evidence-based practice within the social services sector. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Elizabeth’s YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@elizabethfarca%C8%99 Elizabeth’s WordPress page - https://elizabethfarcas.wordpress.com/ https://ro.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-farcas-1909aa225 Elizabeth’s TikTok account - http://tiktok.com/@elizabethfarcas Elizabeth’s Pinterest page - https://ro.pinterest.com/elizabethfarcas/_profile/ The Romanian Ministry of Labor, Family, Youth and Social Solidarity - https://mmuncii.gov.ro/ Bucharest’s social services agency - https://www.dgas.ro/ Romania’s National Agency for Payments and Social Inspection - https://www.mmanpis.ro/ Romania’s National Authority for the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities - https://anpd.gov.ro/web/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BURBqURLK8nHM_EaemK7_quQaogNVJaUaBs72vIzs0M/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Sophia, a social worker, sexologist, and relationship counsellor from Germany. She has worked in child protection and youth services in both Germany and Australia, including child and family welfare services, therapeutic residential crisis care for children and young people, and specialised crisis support for girls who have experienced sexual violence and abuse. Sophia has worked as a lecturer in sexology, and is the founder of Sexology Hub, where she offers sexuality and relationship counselling, individual coaching, as well as educational programs, workshops, and professional training for diverse audiences. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Trauma-informed work and recovery Sanctuary Institute - https://www.thesanctuaryinstitute.org/ Creating Sanctuary by Sandra Bloom - https://sandrabloom.com/book/creating-sanctuary-toward-the-evolution-of-sane-societies/ Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman - https://openlibrary.org/books/OL1563764M/Trauma_and_Recovery The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk - https://www.besselvanderkolk.com/resources/the-body-keeps-the-score Practical resources and research on sexual violence RAINN - https://rainn.org/ Caste-based discriminination International Dalit Solidarity Network - https://idsn.org/ International Cooperation Work Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire - https://fsi-ebcao.princeton.edu/sites/g/files/toruqf1411/files/media/freire.pdf Decolonizing Methodologies by Linda Tuhiwai Smith - https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/decolonizing-methodologies-9781786998125/ Social Work Crisis in Berlin AG Weiße Fahnen, DBSH Berlin, GEW BERLIN "Die Berliner Jugendhilfe befindet sich im Kollaps" | GEW - Berlin - https://www.gew-berlin.de/presse/detailseite/ag-weisse-fahnen-dbsh-berlin-gew-berlin-die-berliner-jugendhilfe-befindet-sich-im-kollaps Sexuality and relationship counselling/therapy A Clinician's Guide to Systemic Sex Therapy by Gerald Weeks et al. - https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.4324/9781315817392/clinician-guide-systemic-sex-therapy-gerald-weeks-katherine-hertlein-nancy-gambescia Principles and Practice of Sex Therapy by Hall & Binik - https://www.guilford.com/books/Principles-and-Practice-of-Sex-Therapy/Hall-Binik/9781462543397 Personal / Professional Resources Sophia’s open-access publication on Problematic Porn Consumption among Men: Males’ Lived Experience with Self-Perceived Pornography Addiction: A Qualitative Study of Problematic Porn Use - https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/2/1497 Sophia’s website - https://sexologyhub.com/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vmORcM52JnAuYjakfttLbPmLQHqEH2JH5fOPG8AmOC8/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Theo in Greece, with experience in refugee settings and now supporting people with disabilities. Theo is passionate and motivated to work with people in need, believing strongly in the power of community, working next to people and for the people. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) - https://pecs.com/picture-exchange-communication-system-pecs/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bFHrk9IdTg26k0HiGobKdEJqyffptQQQ9ZRaQ37OgPE/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Susana, with over fifteen years working in frontline social care, as a social worker in children's and adults' services, and now as a Registered Manager for an independent fostering agency in England. Susana is also the creator of MyTappyPlace, a wellbeing platform designed specifically for frontline professionals. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Frontline’s national fast-track social work training programme - https://thefrontline.org.uk/ My Tappy Place - https://mytappyplace.co.uk/ EFT Universe (High Energy Health Podcast) - https://eftuniverse.com/podcast/ Lika Family Fostering - https://likafamilyfostering.co.uk/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YQU3DZV1lzdsKh6t_LIDzF3REDwTJe5A4a-P5FnOwI0/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Emmanuel, an early-career social work researcher from Nigeria, at the intersection of migration and mental health, with a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master's degree in migration, and a strong interest in research. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Emmanuel’s published works on ORCID - https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2029-5857 Emmanuel’s ResearchGate profile - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Emmanuel-Onyemaechi-Ugwu?ev=hdr_xprf Dibia Akwukwo Social Solutions Research Group - https://www.linkedin.com/company/social-solutions-research-group-ssrg/posts/?feedView=all This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HRYWc2xZMFknYIGZyjpCJZ3iFGRbiSEMLjn6J_kDHRE/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Paul, who has over 45 years experience managing child welfare and protection services in the statutory sector at local, regional and national level in Ireland. He currently operates as an independent consultant, specialising in serious case reviews, expert witness and policy development for state bodies and voluntary organisations. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Paul’s podcast ‘Life After Stalin - A Dubliner’s Diary’ - https://open.spotify.com/show/6kbfVumc19v9FgseoL17oC?si=771ba39bec374a22 Abstract for Paul’s article, ‘No Smoke Without Fire: The Presumption of Guilt in Child Abuse Assessments’ - https://www.nagalro.com/_userfiles/pages/files/paul_harrison_no_smoke_without_fire_article_g.pdf Daughters of Charity Child and Family Service - https://www.docchildandfamily.ie/ Dublin Simon Community - https://www.dubsimon.ie/ Paul’s memoir, ‘Hanged If You Do…: Reflections from a Career in Child Protection’ - https://www.orpenpress.com/books/hanged-if-you-do-reflections-from-a-career-in-child-protection/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12DE2NhpOm7bMi0KS1OJHhABB_cCEuIGWRa4sJbRi4Uw/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Peter, a lecturer at Glasgow Caledonian University and qualified social worker with particular experience of working with children and young people who have displayed harmful sexual behaviour. He has undertaken research and written extensively about abusive sexual behaviour between siblings. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Centre of expertise on child sexual abuse - https://www.csacentre.org.uk/ Sibling sexual behaviour: A guide to responding to inappropriate, problematic and abusive behaviour and Sibling sexual abuse: A knowledge and practice overview (articles written by Peter and Stuart Allardyce) - https://www.csacentre.org.uk/research-resources/practice-resources/sibling-sexual-abuse/ Sibling sexual abuse: What do we know? What do we need to know? Stage 1 analysis of a 2-stage scoping review (article written by Peter and colleagues) - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107076 The Sibling Sexual Behaviour Mapping Tool (SSBMT): Supporting practitioner confidence, planning and competency when responding to sexual behaviours between siblings (article written by King-Hill and Gilsenan) - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.107080 Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse (article written by Elly Hanson) - Understanding and responding to sibling sexual harm and abuse | NSPCC Learning This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ks5u5Jrr7mUelIGA__2FKjHXskJXGcbneh-X6DwihnQ/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dr Jzo, a community practice and youth specialist, teaching and supervising students at the University of Botswana and publishing widely in the area of social work and motivation. Dr Jzo is also active in community work, regularly presenting on national radio and television on issues of social wellbeing, and hosting his own podcast and YouTube channel. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Foretelling the History of Social Work: A Botswana Perspective - https://www.ifsw.org/product/books/foretelling-the-history-of-social-work-a-botswana-perspective/ Social Work Professional Organizations: A Comparative International Perspective - https://bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/downloadpdf/edcollchap/book/9781447373698/front-1.pdf Article about Dr Jzo’s book “It’s Possible” - https://www.ub.bw/news/it%E2%80%99s-possible-dr-jongman%E2%80%99s-fifth-book-lights-path-belief-and-renewal The 2026 joint conference on social work, education and social development - https://swsd2026.or.ke/ YouTube channel “A Chat with Dr Jzo” - https://www.youtube.com/@AchatwithDrJzo This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14xeBLL7IM2ydSJQztgjZ66hB1EdQcMWyVJ5-C5ljkrc/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Kgomotso, a social worker from Botswana currently residing in Germany, with qualifications in both Social Work and African Studies. She has experience working as a project support officer focused on orphans and vulnerable children-related policies and programmes, working to strengthen social protection systems and improve service provision by social workers in Botswana, and has interests in social policy reforms, informal social protection and inclusive development. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Thandika Mkandawire’s Google Scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ecPI09EAAAAJ&hl=en Jimi Adesina’s Google Scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=ZJPKVjYAAAAJ&hl=en Dolly Ntseane’s Research Gate page - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dolly-Ntseane Sabelo Ndlovu-Gatsheni’s Google Scholar page - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=K_TTLasAAAAJ&hl=en Frantz Fanon’s Brittanica biography - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frantz-Fanon This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D5IvZqszYZcdo2CJmfbmPRRsOwgxwuav4HV4pthDUoI/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Donald in Wales, a researcher interested in the relationship between good child and family social work practice and outcomes, and in understanding the features of organisations that produce good practice. Donald has been instrumental in setting up the Tilda Goldberg Centre, academic lead for the Frontline social work programme, founding the What Works Centre for Children's Social Care, helping to found the Better Childhoods Centre in University College Copenhagen and the SCALE Centre for Social Care and AI research, as well as leading CASCADE Centre for Children's Social Care Research and Development. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Donald’s faculty profile - https://profiles.cardiff.ac.uk/staff/forresterd Greenham Common peace camps - https://phm.org.uk/blogposts/greenham-common-peace-camp/ Cascade Centre Wales - https://cascadewales.org/ Article on the set-up of the Best Childhoods Centre in Wales - https://cascadewales.org/cardiff-university-to-help-set-up-major-new-research-centre-to-ensure-children-in-denmark-have-the-best-start-in-life/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dUp0vSpayHCnS-5KtI2kuxi4MvN2wUjxb_exfl_J9bI/edit?usp=drivesdk Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Lamiya, a social work practitioner, researcher, and social entrepreneur from Azerbaijan with over a decade of experience in migration, social inclusion, child welfare, and gender-based violence, having worked with international organisations including the UN system, UNHCR, ICMPD, and the Council of Europe, and actively advocates for evidence-based, community-centred social services. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: International Centre for Migration Policy Development - https://www.icmpd.org/ SiM (Sosial İş Məktəbi (Lamiya’s training college) - https://sosialishmektebi.com/ Social Dialogue Magazine - https://www.iassw-aiets.org/2024/12/25/social-dialogue-magazine/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Yem1BndD9X44w97e8BK8WEOQIAQbK148-fLVT1s8ypk/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Nayanathara, a social worker from Sri Lanka and the founder of The Island of Stories, a volunteer organisation that supports children and women in education, while also working as a lecturer in Youth Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Nayanathara’s NGO Island of Stories Instagram account - @islandstorieslk Nayanathara’s Research Gate page - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/K-N-N-Jayathilaka Social Work Diaries on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@socialworkdiaries Association of Sri Lankan Social Workers - https://slapsw.lk/ Community Solutions USA - https://community.solutions/ United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) - https://www.unfpa.org/ IREX - https://www.irex.org/ Asia Safe Abortion Partnership - https://asap-asia.org/ Asia-Pacfic Forum on Sustainable Development - https://www.unescap.org/events/apfsd13 This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LIjIeKdjUpzfeNB-2O_vT4O6_TAtGvrhJLM7Si0QaIs/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I speak with Marta, who beyond being someone who is deeply passionate about people, considers herself a nonconformist; someone who strives every day to make a difference. Marta holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work, with a focus on Chronic Kidney Disease and its impact on patients and their families. Marta is also a couple and family therapist and the mother of four daughters. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Marta’s Diaverum profile - https://www.diaverum.pt/en/diaverum-portugal/diaverum-in-portugal/management-team/marta-olim/ Marta’s publications - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marta-Olim Marta’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-freitas-olim-52521ab6/ Testimonials from Diaverum’s project for caregivers (‘We, Families’) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wv1_B7AKp1EHcpt7vIwVh90BEi9IbebH/view?usp=sharing This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/18lxc6Tt-UX1MpEcWZBM4QSMxVTWhAixvEmck1BCI2dg/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Jelena, a Social Welfare and Criminalistics Expert from Bosnia and Herzegovina with over 13 years of experience in the public sector, international organisations, and civil society. Her work focuses on research, advancing social policy, protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, evaluating programs, and supporting the European integration process. Jelena has collaborated with UNICEF, the EU, and various government institutions and is the author and co-author of more than 39 scientific and professional publications in social work, criminalistics, and human rights. Currently, she works as an independent freelance consultant dedicated to leading transformative social change by connecting diverse sectors and driving innovative, evidence-based solutions for a fairer and more equitable society. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Jelena’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelena-kupresanin/ Jelena’s scientific contributions on Research Gate - https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Jelena-Kupresanin-2089961619 Jelena’s article titled “Social Work in Educational System of the Balkans - Is Social Worker Needed in Schools?“ - https://econpapers.repec.org/article/apaijhass/2018_3ap_3a245-252.htm UNICEF’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina - https://www.unicef.org/bih/en This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/17tBnGNmgsGqWq8Szjfm3A3ETk9XkUUzrWCDFBU4aXhg/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I speak with Sam, a forensic mental health social worker based in a specialist community mental health team in South London, tailored to work with forensic mental health patients, who have additional needs in the context of intellectual disability and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. Prior to this, he was based with an outreach focused mental health team working with people rough sleeping. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: News article about the Homeless Outreach Team, featuring Fran Busby - https://lhf.org.uk/press-release-south-london-and-maudsley-homeless-outreach-team-a-winner-in-london-homelessness-awards-2023/ Forensic Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (FIND) community team - https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory/f/find-community-team Witches film by Elizabeth Sankey (trailer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qwx5350Bj8 Notes on the Mind podcast episode with Rai Waddingham - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/notesonthemind/episodes/Episode-Two---Rai-e13is75/a-a60ohoh This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/12GeL7BX6Bx9QH3j90QEdRXDr_c3j6fLa3MMByhmhWdA/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Nur, currently serving at a Government Hospital in Malaysia, working closely with patients and families, especially in cases involving child protection, sexual health awareness, emotional trauma, and family dynamics. Her practice centers on compassionate support, building safe spaces, and empowering individuals to navigate challenging life experiences with dignity. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Malaysian Association of Social Workers - https://www.masw.org.my/ Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development - https://www.kpwkm.gov.my/ Amanah Raya financial trustee and legal support service - https://www.amanahraya.my/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16r_q9kULoZMk7flfU0dXUSjFNyptP-zMB2r9WKTEVeE/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Francine and Nadrah in Singapore. Francine worked as a PE teacher in Singapore before moving to Australia to study social work at age 40. She worked in many major Australian cities and particularly loved Darwin where she predominantly supported Aboriginal communities in the renal sector, before returning to Singapore to support her elderly parents in 2021. After 8 years of sirens and split-second saves as a paramedic, Nadrah recently swapped her stethoscope for a listening ear. Nadrah has made a mid-career switch into social work to guide others with the right support and services, with no flashing lights required, just a steady supply of coffee. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: Mental Health Academy - https://www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au/ ComCare support scheme - https://supportgowhere.life.gov.sg/schemes/COMCARE-SMTA/comcare-short-to-medium-term-assistance-smta This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14MbqVmLglx_rw65L2HFVS7VkBbEsedHEedc7bpNuATg/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Dickens, originally from Hong Kong, having worked in social work and counselling in Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne, and Thailand. Drawing on his international experience, he currently serves as an international school counsellor in Phuket, Thailand. He is registered with Social Work England and the Hong Kong Social Worker Registration Board. He is also a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional. Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode: PESI online professional development - https://www.pesi.com/ International Social Service Hong Kong branch - https://www.isshk.org/en/ PsychWire online training - https://psychwire.com/ This episode's transcript can be viewed here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wN8QG7rYzE2kmoxSKaugZCs_iKRiBSdjfjnWeJRruDs/edit?usp=sharing Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.