[A]fter a successful inaugural event last year, social work academics and students have worked to create a second conference aimed at generating discussion, encouraging research and building a community of practice amongst students, practitioners and academics based in Cumbria.
The topic of the conference which will be held this Friday (May 25) at the university’s Fusehill Street campus is ‘How can social workers understand the interaction between private troubles and public issues in order to practice effectively?’
Vice Chancellor Prof Julie Mennell will open the event along with Cumbria County Council Chief Executive Katherine Fairclough.
“There’s a great demand for qualified social workers and the University of Cumbria has a strong track record in producing some of the best,” Vice Chancellor Prof Julie Mennell said.” Our graduates are taught by lecturers with first-hand knowledge of the profession and we work with key partners such as Cumbria County Council to provide work placements that offer our students direct access to valuable experiences and environments. This ensures our students are capable of handling all areas of social work to make a positive difference to vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
This event is an ideal way of showcasing the work that goes on here and alongside our partners we are keen to develop further links and models of working which will bring benefits for communities in Cumbria and beyond.”
Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive, Cumbria County Council, said: “I am delighted to be involved in this Friday’s event, and look forward to meeting other members of the local health and education communities. Cumbria is such a wonderful place to live, study and work, and I am confident that by working in partnership we can train, recruit and retain great social work professionals.”
Dr Liz Frost, co-editor of The Journal of Psychosocial Studies, associate editor for The European Journal of Social Work and associate professor in social work at the University of the West of England, will speak to delegates.
Delegates will also hear from Professor Stan Houston, professor emeritus of social work at Queen’s University Belfast. His main academic interests lie in the application of critical social theory and philosophy to social work practice. Prior to entering academia, he held a number of professional social work positions in Belfast, accruing around 20 years’ experience in the field. While at Queen’s, his teaching input focused mainly on child and family social work, at a postgraduate level.
Social work students from the University of Cumbria will present their papers to delegates.
The conference begins from 9am.