Iriss.fm

The Enable Respect Group is composed of champions who increase awareness of hate crime in Scotland, and provide training to anyone interested to learn more about it.  In this episode, Michael McEwan speaks to Jason Methven from Fortune Work Enable Scotland, and Sally Elfverson, a member of the Respect Group about the initiative.  Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.  

The community social work conference was held on 8 November 2022 in Dunfermline. It was focused on a new model of community social work, which has been launched in Fife.  We spoke to Colin Turbett, social work author and consultant; and Kathy Henwood, the CSWO of Fife Education and Children's Services. They provided an introduction to community social work and the set up in Fife. We also heard from Anne Fitzpatrick, the Team Manager at Fife, Leanne Christie, social work assistant; and Janet, a woman who was supported by the community hubs. They told us about the community social work model in practice. Resources Community social work in Scotland: a critical history.  Iriss Insight: Rediscovering and mainstreaming community social work in Scotland Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

This is Me is a campaign that aims to increase public awareness of the experiences of people with learning disabilities. It is a partnership of the Scottish Learning Disability Observatory (SLDO), the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD), Down's Syndrome Scotland and Promoting a More Inclusive Society (PAMIS).  Michael McEwan speaks to Dr Deborah Kinnear at SLDO about the campaign.  Follow the hashtag: #ThisisMe22 Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

ENRICH Scotland is a programme of work that supports research in care homes.  We speak to the Co-chairs, Emma Law and Susan Shenkin about the programme, what it's achieving and it's ambitions. They explain how research undertaken in care homes improves the lives of people who live in care homes, their families and care home staff.  Resources Care home research: an introduction for care home staff Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Heart is a wellbeing model of service delivery for children and their families in East Ayrshire. It is an approach in keeping with the principles of a human rights-based, inclusive service design and delivery. Michelle from Iriss speaks to Andrew Bryers about the model, its aims and progress to date. Andrew has been social worker since 2007 and has worked in Scotland, London and Australia. He spent six years as a team manager in East Ayrshire before taking on the role of Programme Lead of Heart Community Teams in 2020.  if you would like to chat to Andrew about the model and the approach in East Ayrshire, email: WellbeingModel@east-ayrshire.gov.uk Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.  

New Routes Home is a partnership of interested individuals and organisations across Scotland who campaign for the right of all people with disabilities to have their own home and to have meaningful choices around where they live, and who (if anyone) lives with them. This includes having choices around how support is organised and directed. Michael McEwan speaks to Alastair Minty from In Control Scotland about the campaign. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Is technology the answer for rural social work?  Jane Pye, Lecturer in Social Work at Lancaster University. explores the potential benefits of using technology, for social workers and people who live rurally and use services. She also considers the dangers of suggesting that the use of technology is the answer to the challenges of working with rural and remote people and diverse communities. This presentation was recorded at an event held on 4 May 2022. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

How do we help people live their lives as they want? How can we commission services in a more ethical and person-centred way? The Gwynedd social care team and local health board in Wales have been changing how home care has been commissioned and delivered. They've created a model that moves away from ‘time and task' to one that is more person- and relationship-centred. Meilys Heulfryn-Smith, Programme Lead of Community Transformation at Gwynedd Council and Alison Hughes, Manager at Gofal Seibiant Care tell us about their work and experiences in Wales. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Scottish Learning Disability Week 2022 takes place from 2 until 8 May, and the theme for this year is ‘We all have human rights'. Michael McEwan speaks to Libby Clement and Oonagh Brown from the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) about the theme, its importance and what's happening over the week.  Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

ENABLE Works helps people with learning disabilities and other barriers to employment to obtain and sustain rewarding employment. What are some of the barriers and what is the current situation for disabled people seeking employment? Michael McEwan speaks to Lianne Williams, Depute Director at ENABLE Scotland, and Mark Cuff, who speaks about his experiences of seeking and sustaining employment. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

In November 2021, Iriss held event that explored how to shape and support independent, inclusive living for people. Our guest speaker was Kiana Kalantar-Hormozi, an artist, filmmaker and activist. She was nominated one of the 30, most inspirational women in Scotland under the age of 30 in 2017, and was Muscular Dystrophy UK Campaigner of the Year in 2018. Kiana gives her views from her own personal experiences of how we can move forward with independent living support, and how to get it right for everyone. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

For disabled people, what has been the learning from the Covid-19 pandemic? And what now needs to happen to ensure better lives?  Michael McEwan, a reporter on disability issues, speaks to Health Journalist and Broadcaster, Pennie Taylor about the history of care and support for people with disabilities, the impact of Covid-19 and how support and services can be improved. He also speaks to Tracey Campbell, a parent whose daughter has Angelman syndrome, and Sanjeev Man, a Freelance Journalist and Disability Campaigner, to understand their experiences and get their views on what needs to change.  Transcript of episode.  Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Jayne Glass and Mark Shucksmith present the findings from the Rural Lives report published in March 2021. It investigates why and how people in rural areas experience poverty and social exclusion, with a focus on financial hardship and vulnerability. The research is based on three study areas: Harris, East Perthshire and Northumberland. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

What can rural social workers take from the experiences of the pandemic and how can they stay connected? Digital technologies and our experiences during COVID-19 have highlighted new ways for rural social workers to connect to and support one another, and gain access to new learning opportunities. Iain Ramsay, Professional Social Work Adviser at Scottish Government, shares his experiences as a social worker in a rural area. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Cop 26, the global United Nations climate change conference took place this month in Glasgow. What is the impact of the climate emergency on disabled people and how do they have their voices heard?  Michael McEwan speaks with Susie Fitton, Policy Officer at Inclusion Scotland about their involvement at Cop 26, the impacts of climate change on disabled people, the challenges, and what needs to happen to make sure disabled people are included as decision makers. Transcript of episode. Resources It's our planet too: climate change, disabled people and climate action in Scotland - Inclusion Scotland report. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

The Centre for Public Impact, Healthcare Improvement Scotland and Iriss are together delivering events in November and December 2021 that will explore how a Human Learning Systems approach can support people and organisations to commission health and social care differently. In this episode, Toby Lowe, Visiting Professor of Public Management at the Centre for Public Impact; and Diana Hekerem, Head of Transformational Redesign Support at Healthcare Improvement Scotland tell us about the Human Learning Systems approach. They explain what it is, how it works and talk through some practical examples. Transcript of episode.  Resources Human Learning Systems: public service for the real world (ebook) Human Learning Systems website Case study examples Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Cop 26, the global United Nations climate change conference is underway in Glasgow, Each country will bring their plans for reducing emissions and combatting climate change.   As a people, community and society focused profession, is there a role for social work in the environment and climate change agenda? And if so, what is it?    Dr Heather Lynch, MSc (Social Work) Programme Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University believes so. In this episode, she interviews Sian McKinnon, a social worker and climate activist; TzeYeng Ng, a recently qualified social worker; and Professor Susan Kemp who provides insight from an international perspective.   Transcript of episode.    Resources IPCC, AR6 climate change 2021: the physical science basis IFSW Climate Justice Programme  Grand challenges for social work – create social responses to a changing environment Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.  

The Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care, Kevin Stewart MSP, officially launched a recovery conversation cafe toolkit for organisations and services. Developed by the Scottish Recovery Network, the toolkit provides a guide and resources to help people engage in meaningful discussions about what is important to them and their communities. We spoke to Ann Jones, Manager of the Mental Health Network, Greater Glasgow & Clyde about the cafes - what they are, how they work and what they achieve. Contact Ann at: ann@mhngg.org.uk Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

The  Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD) has launched an app, Human Rights Town, to help people with learning disabilities understand their human rights.   The development of the app has been led by a group of people with learning disabilities who have been working with SCLD. It invites users to travel around a virtual ‘Human Rights Town' where they encounter different scenarios at each location, such as using public transport or working at the supermarket.   Michael McEwan speaks to Oonagh Brown, Human Rights Adviser at SCLD and Fiona Dawson, a member of the app development team. Download the app on Apple App Store or Google Play.  Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Lifelong Links is a project led by Family Rights Group and delivered by local authorities. It supports children and young people in care to connect with and develop relationships with family members, and other people who care about the young person, so they can become part of a lasting support network. Anne Begbie, Coordinator of the Lifelong Links programme at Edinburgh City Council, tells us about their Lifelong Links service - the set-up, aims and achievements. We also speak to Megan Tait, a social worker involved in the service. Transcript of episode. Further resources Video introduction to Lifelong Links. What Lifelong Links meant to me: Sandy's story. Impact of Lifelong Links. Stand Up For Siblings - a Scotland wide partnership aimed at improving and changing legislation, policy and practice. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

The research project – Coronavirus and people with learning disabilities – is a UK wide study which has been exploring the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on people with learning disabilities. In Scotland, the study is led by the University of Glasgow, with the support of the Scottish Commission for People with Learning Disabilities (SCLD). Michael McEwan speaks to Research Associate, Roseann Maguire at the University of Glasgow and research participant, Sandy Stark, about the findings of the study.  Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

In this episode we speak to Andrew Morrall, Customer Engagement Manager at Disclosure Scotland, about the organisation's safeguarding role and the different levels of disclosure used across social services, including PVG scheme membership. We discuss why many social service workers will need to join the PVG scheme and Andrew provides advice to individuals about this, including for those concerned about previous convictions or other contact with criminal justice services. He speaks of the importance of employers not viewing convictions in isolation, but instead looking at the whole person and their current circumstance This will be interesting to individuals, employment support workers and employers who want to know more about disclosures, including PVG scheme membership. Topics: 1. Different levels of disclosure and eligibility for each, including PVG scheme membership for individuals doing regulated work. 2. What PVG scheme membership costs, how long it takes to get a certificate and what information will appear on this. 3. Why some individuals may be more likely to have had contact with criminal justice services as a result of their life history and personal circumstances, and what they can do if concerned about information appearing on a certificate. 4. Why employers should look at the whole person and their current circumstances, and not just a conviction in isolation. Resources Scotland Works for You is a guide to evaluating the meaning of someone's criminal record to a job or opportunity they've applied for. It's also for people with convictions to help them make positive applications for employment. Professionals supporting people with convictions in seeking employment or other opportunities may also find it helpful.  A range of information about disclosure and criminal record checks is available on the mygov.scot website. Safer Recruitment Through Better Recruitment is a guide for employers published by the Care Inspectorate and the Scottish Social Services Council. It emphasises values-based recruitment and details the processes which employers use to make sure they do not hire unsuitable people to work in care services with children or protected adults.  Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

The social services sector is growing and this means there are opportunities for people looking for a new career, whether that's people changing jobs or people who are just starting out. So what are these opportunities, and what role can employment support workers have in helping this important workforce to grow sustainably? We speak to Kerry Cannon, Learning and Development Adviser at the Scottish Social Services Council and Susie Ferguson, Partnership Manager at the Department for Work and Pensions about current recruitment opportunities and the important role employability organisations can have in supporting these. This will be interesting to people working in employment support, such as work coaches and key workers; and employers and those with an interest in social services workforce planning. Topics: Information about the life changing work available in social services, including childcare, social care and social work. Information to support workforce planning including types of contract, salary, typical hours, reasons for vacancies and opportunities for flexible pathways. The role that work coaches and employability key workers can have in supporting social service employers with sustainable recruitment. Resources Career stories and learning pathways. Data about the social service workforce. Learn more about the role of the SSSC and registration.  Follow the stories of employers and social service organisations at #LifeChangingWork Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Care Opinion is a social enterprise which gives citizens a platform to air their views and opinions on health and care services. It aims to make care services better for everyone.  Fraser Gilmore, Head of Scotland at Care Opinion tells us more about its aims and how it works.  Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

What is the historical understanding of Gypsy/Travellers and what has the relationship been between social work and Gypsy Traveller communities?  In this webinar recording, Annie Bryant, a criminal justice social worker based in Dumfries and Galloway, shares her knowledge gained from personal experiences, being a dual national and the partner of a Traveller. We also hear from Davie Donaldson, a Scottish Traveller, advocate and social justice campaigner. By sharing his lived experience, he supports decision makers at local, national and international level to increase inclusivity of policy and practice. Here he provides useful practice guidance for social workers.  Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Yvonne Leathley, Senior Improvement Adviser at the Care Inspectorate speaks about a project to supply digital devices to care homes to improve connectivity. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Paula Quinn, Learning and Development Adviser at SSSC, speaks about keeping the Quality Improvement conversations going for those involved in using Near Me. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

The Fraser of Allander Institute is undertaking a year-long research project examining the relationship between people with learning disabilities in Scotland and economic outcomes for them and their families. The Institute sees it as an under-researched area in Scottish economics and one that is overlooked in mainstream economic policy discussions. In this episode, Michael McEwan speaks to Rob Watts, Knowledge Exchange Associate at the Institute about the research and what it hopes to achieve.  Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Going out to see bands, clubbing, or seeing friends is part of everyday life for lots of people. However, if you have a learning disability you may need support to do this.  Stay Up Late is a charity that supports people to make this happen. Keith Etherington and William Rae tell Michael McEwan about the work of Stay Up Late and their plans for this year's Learning Disability Week. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

When children are really vulnerable to harm social workers have to work even harder to create partnership with families where risk is present. For infants, babies, and very young children, as well as older children who are nonverbal or require constant care as they grow up, ways need to be found to work with risk that does not necessarily involve family separations. Family Group Conferencing is one way of holding risk with the older children and adults in a family and agreeing how that risk will be addressed. Parents and expectant parents need an opportunity to demonstrate what they can do, with the sustained relationship-based support of professionals. In this episode, Dr Mary Mitchell, Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Edinburgh, and social workers Heather Rush and Nicky Hunter from the City of Edinburgh Council, speak about the practice of Family Group Conferencing and how it can make a difference to families. This forms part of a child protection and welfare project titled Recognition Matters, which bring together knowledge from different pieces of research to strengthen practice and improve the experiences of families. Transcript of episode. Resources Azaria's story - a film of one woman's experience of family group conferencing.  All Recognition Matters films on YouTube. Critchely A and Mitchell M (2020) Can knowledge exchange forge a collaborative pathway to policymaking? A case study example of the Recognition Matters project. The British Journal of Social Work.  Mitchell M (2020) The value of recognition theory to family group conferencing and child-care and protection. The British Journal of Social Work. Mitchell M and Ali S (2020) Adaptive family group conferencing practice: keeping families at the heart of decision making during COVID-19. Social Work 20-21 magazine. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Mecoco (Meaningful Contribution in your Community) is a social enterprise based in North Ayrshire that supports people into employment. The founder, Jenny Trott, believes that regardless of their level of ability, people can make a meaningful contribution and have the right to experience the workplace in their own community should they wish to.  ​Mecoco specialises in making candles and soaps and adapts equipment, processes and even products to make the job as accessible as possible. Michael McEwan speaks to Jenny about the origins and work of the social enterprise. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.  

Monica Nicolin and Gillian Ritch, social workers based in Stornoway and Orkney respectively, speak about dual relationships in rural social work. These presentations were given at a webinar held in January 2020, to provide an opportunity to discuss the unique potential of rural social work, the opportunities it brings, and just why it is worthy of celebration. Resources: Rural social work in Scotland (2019) - Iriss Insight 47 Rediscovering and mainstreaming community social work practice in Scotland (2020) - Iriss Insight 56 Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Gillian Fyfe, Head of Digital at Alzheimer Scotland, speaks about their experiences of using Near Me to provide support to those living with dementia, family members and professionals. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

A study to gauge how lockdown restrictions have affected the families of care home residents, have been published. The research, titled Creative Covid Care, highlights the relationship-based and creative practices used to support communication and connection while visiting restrictions have been in place. This rapid research project, funded by the Chief Scientists Office at Scottish Government, has been led by the University of Edinburgh with partners from University of Strathclyde, The University of the West of Scotland and Iriss. Jo Hockley, Research Fellow at the University of Edinburgh tells us about how care home staff and family carers responded throughout the first phase of lockdown. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Tanya Anderson, GIRFEC Development Officer at CrossReach, tells the story of the organisation’s journey of using Attend Anywhere or Near Me as it’s also known, to reach out to clients in remote areas of Scotland who could not access face-to-face support via their counselling and therapy services. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

With a wide network of partners and academic researchers from across Scotland and Europe, the Observatory for Sport in Scotland supports those delivering community sport and activity with independent research, knowledge sharing, and policy and practice guidance, as well as international benchmarking that brings confidence to widening sport participation to all ages and abilities. Michael McEwan speaks to David Ferguson, Executive Director of the Observatory about the work it does to support participation in sport across Scotland. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Aaron Slater, Digital Participation Manager at SCVO, gives an overview of digital exclusion in Scotland. Highlighting the progress that we still need to make to ensure that everyone in Scotland has the opportunity to be digitally included, Aaron gives an overview of some of the steps organisations can take to embed digital inclusion in core service delivery. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

My Support My Choice is a research project led jointly by the Health and Social Care ALLIANCE and Self Directed Support Scotland and funded by Scottish Government, with the aim of understanding people’s experiences of Self-directed Support (SDS) in Scotland. Between November 2018 and February 2020, over 600 people who received self-directed support (SDS) or had been assessed in the previous 12 months – took part in this research. The full report, as well thematic reports have now been published. We spoke to Lucy Mulvagh, Director of Policy and Communications at the ALLIANCE and Donald McLeod, Chief Executive of Self-directed Support Scotland to get an overview of the scope, findings and recommendations of the research. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Dan Johnson, Clinical Director at Kibble interviews Neil McMillan, an Executive Director at Kibble on the topic of moral distress in residential child care. The conversation defines the concept, provides examples of it, and suggestions for how to support workers who experience moral distress. More broadly it explores the impact of the system on the practice of residential child care. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. The Learning Network aims to build on and continue the support to these organisations using Near Me, while increasing the scope of support to others. Each Learning Network meeting includes speakers on related topics. In this episode, Janet Crozier, Knowledge Manager from the Knowledge Hub shares, how having a range of tools and techniques such as teach back, chunk and check, and pictures can improve peoples Near Me experiences of social services. Resources Knowledge Hub  NHS Education for Scotland 'The Knowledge Network'  The Health Literacy Place  Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Near Me in Social Services is a project Iriss has been leading in partnership with the NHS Near Me team and the Scottish Government Technology Enabled Care (TEC) Programme over Autumn/Winter 2020/21. The project is producing new evidence around the priorities, enablers and challenges of using video consulting in social services. Iriss has supported five services to participate in a rapid Quality Improvement (QI) cycle to start using Near Me; provided light touch improvement support to organisations that are setting up Near Me independently within their work, and has developed a Learning Network. Louise Bowen, Project Lead at Iriss, provides an introduction to the project, including the aims and outcomes and what it has achieved to date. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Sight Scotland Veterans has been around since 1915, and offers support across Scotland to veterans of the Armed Forces who need support to adapt to sight loss. Michael McEwan speaks to Alison Cairns, Practice Lead fo the outreach team, about the work of the organisation. Transcript of episode. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Colin Turbett, author of the Iriss Insight, Rural social work in Scotland; and Jane Pye, Senior Teaching Associate of Social Work at the University of Lancaster, outline what rural social work is and what makes it unique. These presentations were given at a webinar held in December 2020, to provide an opportunity to discuss the unique potential of rural social work, the opportunities it brings, and just why it is worthy of celebration. It takes into account issues arising from the pandemic, and provides an opportunity to revisit the presentations to the Celebrating Rural Social Work conference in March 2020. Video of this webinar. Slides from this webinar. Resources suggested by presenters: Rural social work in Scotland (2019) - Iriss Insight 47 Rediscovering and mainstreaming community social work practice in Scotland (2020) - Iriss Insight 56​ Rural social work practice in Scotland (2011)​ - BASW / Venture Press Rural social work in Cumbria: an exploratory case study (2020) (PDF) Centre for Child and Family Justice Research, Lancaster University​ Resources suggested by participants: Protecting children - a social model, by Brid Featherstone, Anna Gupta, Kate Morris et al Domestic abuse in rural areas - Rural Services Network Captive and controlled - domestic abuse in rural areas Self-directed support Shared Lives for older people in rural areas Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Kinections was a three-year collaborative research project, working with care homes across East Ayrshire to explore what community means for people who live, work and visit care homes, with a particular focus on the experiences of people living with dementia. We had a conversation with Edel Roddy, the project lead at UWS and Dr Anna Jack-Waugh from the Alzheimer Scotland Centre for Policy and Practice. The project was a My Home Life Scotland initiative, led by a team of researchers at the University of the West of Scotland, and was funded by the Life Changes Trust. Kinections resources. Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

The first findings of a study to gauge how lockdown restrictions have affected the families of care home residents, have been published. The research, titled Creative Covid Care, highlights the relationship-based and creative practices used to support communication and connection while visiting restrictions have been in place. This rapid research project, funded by the Chief Scientists Office at Scottish Government, has been led by the University of Edinburgh with partners from University of Strathclyde, The University of the West of Scotland and Iriss. An early findings session was held in October, led by the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships. In this episode we hear from representatives of Care Home Relatives Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland, who share how being provided with 'essential visitor' status can help some families, and what else can be done to provide support. Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Presents the first findings of a study to gauge how lockdown restrictions have affected the families of care home residents. The research, titled Creative Covid Care, highlights the relationship-based and creative practices used to support communication and connection while visiting restrictions have been in place. This rapid research project, funded by the Chief Scientists Office at Scottish Government, has been led by the University of Edinburgh with partners from University of Strathclyde, The University of the West of Scotland and Iriss. At an early findings session in October, which was led by the Centre for Research on Families and Relationships, Lynn Jamieson, Professor of Sociology, Families and Relationships at the University of Edinburgh; and Sarah Swift, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of the West of Scotland, provided an overview of the initial findings.

Thomas Bartlett and Casey Armstrong, two care experienced young people, talk openly about the subject of mental health as part of a project titled the ‘Mental health and care experienced children and young people: a partnership for change’. The project seeks to improve understanding and practice in relation to care experienced young people’s mental health. A training workshop has been developed, aimed at students and professionals in residential child care, social care and social work which was piloted at the European Social Research Council’s Festival of Social Sciences in conjunction with the British Association of Social Work. The episode forms part of the project and is co-produced with TRIUMPH (Transdisciplinary Research for the Improvement of Youth Mental Public Health) at the University of Glasgow; the Champion’s Board; Who Cares? Scotland; the University of Edinburgh; and Iriss.  Health warning: This episode describes scenes of traumatic events that listeners may find disturbing. Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Neatebox provides smart solutions based on the challenges disabled people face every day. An example is an award-winning free app which allows people to use their mobile phone to push buttons at doors and pedestrian crossings safely and with more confidence. Michael McEwan speaks to Gavin Neate, the founder of the company about the products they provide.  Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Challenge Poverty Week was held between 5- 11 October this year. The week aims to raise a unified voice against poverty and calls for a more just and equal Scotland.  We spoke to Suzi Murning, Campaigns Officer at The Poverty Alliance to find out about the history of Challenge Poverty Week, its purpose and the activities and impact of the campaign for this year. Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Your Options Understood (Y.O.U) is an organisation that offers independent advice to those living with a disability, as well as parents and carers. It was set-up by Dr Danielle Farrel to share her own experiences of life with a disability and to show that having a disability does not necessarily mean that individuals cannot live an independent life.  Michael McEwan has a conversation with Danielle to find out more about the organisation. Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.

Lena Dominelli is Professor of Social Work at the University of Stirling and Chair of the IASSW Committee. Kerry Musselbrook from Iriss had a conversation with her about the new MSc in Disaster Interventions and Humanitarian Aid at University of Stirling, why this matters and what it means for social work. Lena also shares her hopes for the future of the social work profession. Transcript of episode Music Credit: Make your dream a reality by Scott Holmes.