Shifting from "what's wrong" to what's strong: a compassionate approach to well being

Wellbeing is a contested concept that goes beyond the absence of disease or illness. It is a complex combination of a person's physical, mental, emotional and social health factors. Practitioners adopt various strategies and philosophical framework to with work their clients and families to promote a sense of wellbeing. Improving one’s sense of wellbeing demands desire, courage, wisdom and practice. Recent research suggests that compassion can help one understand emotions, live in the present moment, connect deeply with others and recognise strengths. Adopting a compassionate approach has the potential to increase feelings of contentment and wellbeing, which are important factors in promoting happiness and life satisfaction

Critically reflective blogs: student experiences and reflections on engaging in reflective blog writing in social work and mental health education.

Critical reflection is an integral part in Social Work education that encourages the integration of theory and practice while enhancing student learning, competence and self-confidence. A number of strategies are used to provide the students with opportunities to practice critical reflection, which may include learning contracts, reflective journals, progress reports, group presentations, and oral presentations etc. However, in teaching a subject titled “Social Work Practice in Mental Health” at James Cook University, Australia, the author used “writing critically reflective blogs-” as a strategy to engage with both internal and external students to facilitate discussions. On observation, this provided a peer learning opportunity for the students to critically reflect on their learning, ask questions and to raise issues of concerns. In this presentation, the author will shares his own experience of using critically reflective blogs in this subject and discusses the students’ reflections on engaging in reflective blog writing. The presentation will also respond to some of the questions like- What was it like to be part of a group involved in blog writing? What has been the learning? What are some of the challenges and what can be done to make this a great leaning learning experience for the students

Building a more resilient culture within higher education and the local community: a community development approach

Research suggest that Australian higher education students experience higher rates of psychological distress. A more close analysis reveal that rural students, students from lower socio-economic backgrounds and those experiencing transitional and financial stress are at the increased risk of experiencing a mental health problem. While many students struggle to complete their university studies, only some students choose to seek help at various occasions. Anecdotal evidences and interactions with University Students provides variety of reasons for not seeking help early on which could have supported them in maintaining a positive work-life balance. In this presentation, the author will explore some of the myths and realities around this help seeking behaviour and present some strategies to build a strong resilient culture specially by discussing the relevance of developing University level policy that will not only address the issues on mental health but will promote a resilient culture with in the community. The author argues that stronger partnerships with community sector, community mental health service systems, and an effective and timely student support services are required. By strengthening the already existing programs, incorporating evidence based intervention models and placing an increased focus on student well-being projects, universities can play an important role in the wellbeing of students within their institutions. Similarly, Universities are in a better position to undertake research activities to understand more about the nature of mental ill-health in university students and develop the evidence base for effective interventions which can be implemented through community partnerships and collaborations; thus promoting a resilient culture in the sector

Developing Community Networks and partnerships in promoting positive Mental Health in rural south Australia

This paper is based on field practice. It presents community work experiences and reflections about how rural communities can be engaged in the process of addressing issues of mental health and specially in challenging the myths of stigma attached to mental health. The paper describes the methods used in developing community net works and partnerships in rural South Australia and analyses how these methods have supported in creating positive environment in the local communities to promote mental health. It also outlines some of the challenges and issues faced in the field. paper examines the strengths of rural communities by exploring the nature of existing safety net groups, and analyses the partnerships and net works that were formed during the tenure of author's employment. This is highlighted with case examples to illustrate how strength based partnership models enhance creating supportive environment in communities, under the initiative of developing Mental Health Support Groups and Mental Health Action Groups in rural . South Australia. Additionally the paper examines the strengths of the evolving role of communities in promoting mental health and suggests intervention strategies and raises questions for further research in social work practice with communities

Employee Assistance Programme in Industrial Organisations: social work concepts and practice

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) is an established field of practice in the West where Social Workers are one of the stakeholders. In India, EAP is an emerging concept and an unexplored area of Social Work practice. This book deals with the various aspects of EAP in Industrial organisations, including the historical context and perspectives of social work practice in Industry, EAP concepts, modus operandi of EAP, and discusses the historical developments both in the West and in India. It also looks at the changing nature of work, workforce, pattern of needs, and problems of workforce requiring Social work intervention in the present context of globalization, and narrates the impact services like EAP can have on workers' lifestyle, work and behaviour at their workplace. The book also explores the need, relevance and scope of occupational social work as a field of practice, and suggests an EAP model suited to the Indian context

I cannot fix it but I can help you fix it: a strengths based approach to working with children and families with mental health concerns

This paper is based on clinical experience of working with children and families in Australia. It has been observed that while working with parents/carers that they often present 'broken children' and expect the clinician to miraculously 'fix' the problem. It has also been noted that when working with children, young people and families in a tertiary mental health setting, it is often the problem saturated perspective that is the focus that consumes clinical practice. Finding ways of assisting them to put the pieces back together often requires specific knowledge, skills and innovative ways of interventions. It also requires an approach that is not deficit focused. This can be quite confronting and challenging for the practitioner who provides a service within a medical model of framework. In a strengths base approach, the person is not the problem; the problem is the problem and we are all part of the solution. Evidences from the literature show that utilizing a strength based approach allows people to experience a sense of control to focus on all the aspects of their life rather than be defined as the negative presenting issue. Aspects such as survival skills, abilities, knowledge, resources and desires are discussed as a mechanism to assist this process. This allows the clinician to both view and explore with the person their strengths instead of the problem itself. By doing this, a more holistic productive therapeutic alliance between clinician and consumer/s occurs. The ability to assist families in changing perspective and to focus on their strengths that they already possess to build resilience and sustainability provides them with the opportunity of ownership and control over the situation. This paper will discuss the importance of using strengths based model and how it has been implemented in clinical practice in north Queensland. The authors, based on their experience and through case studies, illustrate the importance of this strengths model of practice when working with people with mental health concerns and explain how it can make a difference in the lives of people

Negotiating health post-globalisation: a case study of the Kanikkar community of Kottoor, in Kerala, India

Indigenous peoples are "peoples … regarded as indigenous, on account of their descent from the populations which inhabited the country, or a geographical region to which the country belongs, at the time of conquest or colonisation or the establishment of present state boundaries and who, irrespective of their legal status, retain some or all of their own social, economic, cultural and political institutions" (ILO, 1990). At least 370 million people worldwide considered indigenous, live in remote areas of the world. There are at least 5000 Indigenous peoples ranging from the forest peoples of the Amazon to the tribal peoples of India and from the Inuit of the Arctic to the Aborigines in Australia. Indigenous peoples do not necessarily claim to be the only people native to their countries, but in many cases indigenous peoples are indeed "aboriginal" or "native" to the lands they live in, being descendants of those peoples that inhabited a territory prior to colonization or formation of the present state. Indigenous peoples have their own distinct languages, cultures, and social and political institutions that are very different from those of mainstream society. While indigenous peoples face the same experience of discrimination and marginalization as other ethnic minorities, there are very important differences in terms of their rights and identity. This is compared and contrasted with Indian and Australian experiences through this paper. There are numerous challenges posed to indigenous people. A common feature is the attempts by federal/ central authorities to suppress their cultures for the purpose of mainstreaming, by way of long-term assimilation policies, e.g. the Norwegian Sámi population. In India, Adivasi women refuse to deliver their babies in health centers because they "don't think it necessary"; this the health providers perceive to be on account of 'ignorance'. But then, a few and some social workers perceive this as women exercising their choice. Further, they simply refuse to go to a health facility where they are treated badly and their customs are disrespected. The present paper attempts to explore and document the unique challenges posed to the Kanikkar Tribe habiting the Forests of Southern Kerala, India. The study will be a case study dwelling deep into the experiences of the Kannikar as they negotiate with the fast catching pace of globalization as a moderator on their socio-demographic status, culture, and subsequently their health seeking behaviour. The paper is a clarion call for inclusion, aimed ultimately to give an alternate perception of "social inclusiveness" as both a concept and practice in generating a better understanding as to why the Kannikar are reconciled to submitting themselves to their "fate.

Vulnerability and Well-Being: International Students' Experience in North Queensland, Australia

In this article, we examined the impact of COVID-19 on international students’ experience and highlighted the importance of supporting this student group. We drew on findings from a mixed methods study in North Queensland, Australia. First, we discussed mental well-being and analysed how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted individuals’ mental health and well-being. We linked our analysis to international students’ vulnerability and well-being, looking specifically at the impact of financial and emotional distress. The findings of our study provided knowledge regarding the challenges international students face in North Queensland. In order to better meet the needs of international students, we argue that higher education institutions must provide tailored programs and services, including nurturing, supportive, responsive, and needs-orientated environments, to address the challenges international students face, and the mental health needs posed by the pandemic and beyond

COVID-19: challenges, opportunities, and the future of social work

Social workers have essential life-saving roles, possessing many important skills to help clients and community access services, and obligation to facilitate equality of outcomes. In this time marked by a pandemic, we are becoming more aware of the importance of futuring for social work. Social work’s response to the COVID-19 crisis is critical now and in the future. This article attempts to bring attention to ways social work as an idea, as a project, as an institution, and as a profession might respond and change due to what is happening (COVID-19 pandemic) and grow in dealing with future challenges. It makes contribution to social work’s response to COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. It suggests that the success of social work is very much dependent on social work educators, researchers and practitioners recognising the current challenges as opportunities, and responding in ways that advance social work profession’s theories, models, and practice framework