Social Workers Matter – Details, episodes & analysis
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Welcome to Social Workers Matter with Dr Sylvia Smith, where we explore the realities and celebrate the successes of social work practice, management and education.
A few words from Dr. Sylvia on her background and Social Workers Matter
I began my social work career at 16yrs old when I embarked on my first training course in social care. I now have over 35yrs of experience in social work; practice, leadership/management and education. Bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills and passion to my work and I want to convey these attributes in my Social Workers Matter podcast.
I am passionate about 'reclaiming social work' and will be exploring the realities and celebrating the successes in this profession.
I invite you to join my guests and me for insightful discussions, sharing of professional experiences and much, much wisdom in all things social work. If you're thinking about joining the profession, are newly qualified practitioners or a seasoned professional, this podcast is for you.
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Publication history
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In Conversation with Professor Prospera Tedam SFHEA
Season 5 · Episode 103
mercredi 5 novembre 2025 • Duration 01:11:27
In Conversation with Professor Prospera Tedam SFHEA
Join me for an inspiring conversation with the remarkable Professor Prospera Tedam, from the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at University College Dublin. Professor Tedam takes us on a journey through her career spanning both academia and frontline practice, sharing insights which are sure to resonate with social work professionals, students, and those passionate about social justice.
Professor Tedam opens up about her fascinating five-year experience working in the United Arab Emirates, offering her perspectives on how social work practice translates across different cultural contexts and what she learned from this vital experience.
Professor Tedam is passionate about school social work as a specialism. She discusses:
- The tremendous value this field brings to children and their families
- How school-based social work creates impact in the lives of vulnerable children
- Why school placements offer enriching and invaluable learning experiences for social work students
Professor Tedam created the MANDELA Model, which was designed to support and enhance the experiences of student social workers, with particular sensitivity toward Black and minoritised students who are not well served. Hear the story behind its creation and how it’s making a difference in social work education.
Professor Tedam teases exciting upcoming research outcomes, scheduled for release in 2026.
Find Professor Tedam’s work available here:
https://people.ucd.ie/prospera.tedam/publications
- Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com
- Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530
- Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners!
- Join us and remember—social workers matter!
- Website: www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co
A Promise-Driven Leader Dr. Andrea J. Boudreaux MPH, FACHE
Season 5 · Episode 102
mercredi 15 octobre 2025 • Duration 01:27:20
In conversation with Dr Andrea J. Boudreaux, a seasoned physician with a wealth of experience, she shares her insights on the pressing challenges within the U.S. healthcare system. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into themes like trust, resilience, and the urgent need for change.
Dr Boudreaux doesn’t shy away from discussing the stark realities of a broken system that often fails marginalised communities. Yet, amidst the challenges, she remains hopeful, embodying the spirit of a promise-driven leader. Her candid reflections on both her professional journey and personal experiences reveal the complexities of healthcare and the radical transformations needed to make it equitable for all.
Get ready to be inspired as we explore how to navigate despair with determination and the importance of never giving up on creating a better future for healthcare. Listen to discover how one leader’s vision can spark change in an entire system!
- Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com
- Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530
- Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners!
- Join us and remember—social workers matter!
- Website: www.inclinetrainingconsultants.co
The Heart of Social Work with Professor Frank Keating
Season 5 · Episode 93
mercredi 26 mars 2025 • Duration 01:03:31
In this captivating episode of *Social Workers Matter*, we sit down with Professor Frank Keating, a prominent figure in social work and mental health. Frank, who recently retired from his role at Royal Holloway University of London, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our discussion.
Key Highlights:
A Pragmatist's Perspective: Frank shares his unique approach to writing and academia, emphasizing that he only writes when he has something meaningful to convey.
Career Journey: Discover the challenges and triumphs that shaped Frank's transition from lecturer to professor and how his experiences have informed his beliefs about social work.
Cultural Sensitivity: Frank discusses the importance of cultural sensitivity in social work practice and how it enhances our ability to notice and respond to individuals' diverse needs.
Curiosity and Vibrancy of London: Learn how London's vibrant culture has influenced Frank's work and perspective, fueling his curiosity about the people and communities he serves.
Addressing Unspoken Issues: he discusses the significance of tackling unspoken issues in social work and how this impacts client relationships and outcomes.
Building Inner Strength: Frank shares insights on developing inner strength for success in the demanding field of social work, offering practical advice for both seasoned professionals and newcomers.
Latest Research Project: This section provides a glimpse into Frank's latest research, which documents mental health experiences and highlights the importance of this work in today’s society.
Listen in to hear Frank's passionate insights and gain inspiration for your journey in social work!
Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com
Follow us on social media: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530
Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more listeners!
Join us for this enlightening conversation, and remember—social workers matter!
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Social Worker Matters - A Warm Up!
Season 1 · Episode 1
lundi 5 août 2019 • Duration 03:13
Dr. Sylvia introduces Social Worker Matters (SWM) and what you can expect in this pre-launch month of August and the first full season starting in September.
Running weekly through August, SWM will continue on a fortnightly basis.
Why not join Dr. Sylvia and get to know more about this demanding but rewarding profession, more about Dr. Sylvia and get ready to contribute yourself.
Contact Dr. Sylvia
Email: adosylv@gmail.com
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Lets Talk About Burnout with Natalie Robertson
Season 5 · Episode 92
mercredi 5 mars 2025 • Duration 42:10
Join us for an inspiring episode as we sit down with Natalie, the dynamic founder of Social Life, on a crisp Friday morning. What began as a chilly start quickly became a heartfelt conversation that warmed us up.
Natalie shares her career journey and passion for empowering newly qualified and seasoned social work practitioners. Through her consultancy, Social Life, she is dedicated to helping teams and organisations gain a profound understanding of the impact upon the self of providing social care services.
Motivated by her own experiences, Natalie sought coaching to navigate her emotional responses to her work, and now she's on a mission to guide others in their journey. She emphasises the importance of self-reflection and how it can transform our work as frontline practitioners and leaders.
Specialising in Nervous System Regulation and Trauma-Informed Self-Care, Natalie brings her expertise to life through dynamic training sessions, engaging keynote talks, and practical coaching.
Don’t miss this opportunity to meet Natalie and discover how her insights can enhance your practice and support your growth. Tune in and be inspired!
Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com
Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw
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Final Reflections for 2024
Season 5 · Episode 91
mercredi 8 janvier 2025 • Duration 09:20
A short episode recorded partly during my gym workout session—some final reflections for 2024. Next year is my 40th Anniversary of being a qualified social worker; what a ride! I will be marking this milestone for sure..............
Happy New Year and Peace!
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The Liminality Group TLG - Andrez Harriott
Season 5 · Episode 90
mercredi 25 décembre 2024 • Duration 45:15
In episode 90 of SWM, I talk with Andrez Harriott, the Founder and CEO of The Liminality Group. TLG's primary task is to prevent and reduce offending among children and young adults aged 10-15. They support health and well-being services within secure estates by delivering integrated models of care to children remanded or sentenced through bespoke psychologically informed programmes. TLG also provides training and leadership consultancy to organisations and professionals across health, justice, DClinPsych courses, and the third and private sectors.
We discuss TLG's work, how the organisation's name came about, how his course with Tavistock & Portman further informed TLG's work with young people and organisations, collaborative work with other agencies, the relational nature of their approach to work with vulnerable young people and lots more.
LinkedIn: Andrez Harriott
email: Andrez@tlguk.co.uk
Do share your feedback at: adosylv@gmail.com
Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw
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Brilliant Parents - Meave Darroux
Season 5 · Episode 89
mercredi 11 décembre 2024 • Duration 42:48
In today’s episode, I'm in conversation with the passionate and extraordinary Meave Darroux, founder and CEO of Brilliant Parents. Brilliant Parents run parenting classes supporting families across the capital and beyond. Their work also specialises in programmes for children in their early years and young people. BP supports families by introducing new parenting techniques to help them deal with challenging behaviour in their children, from toddler to teenager. Early intervention in the lives of families aims not only to help parents but also to transform the confidence and well-being of the child. Supporting parents by helping them cope with their own emotions and those of their child also has crucial long-term benefits and creates happier, more confident parents
Do share your feedback at adosylv@gmail.com
Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530
YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw
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SWM hears about the ICU Conference hosted by ARM
Season 5 · Episode 88
mercredi 13 novembre 2024 • Duration 26:35
Nimal, Arlene, and I, members of the Anti-Racism Movement subgroup, discuss the Social Work Awards 2024 and our feelings following our win.
We also share information about our forthcoming conference on 22/11/24 - entitled ICU. Tickets and more information can be found here;
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/icu-or-i-see-you-annual-national-conference-from-the-anti-racist-movement-tickets-1007943996627?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=
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Way forward - Thriving Relationships with Dr Agnes Bryan
Season 5 · Episode 87
mercredi 16 octobre 2024 • Duration 01:05:05
**Overview:**
In this episode, we conclude our insightful discussions with Dr. Agnes Bryan, focusing on Chapter 7 of her forthcoming book manuscript, which delves into the complex themes of race and racism.
**Key Discussion Points:**
- **Navigating Difficult Conversations:** Strategies for addressing racism and the importance of positional theory.
- **Empathy and Emotional Intelligence:** The roles of compassion and understanding in challenging dialogues.
- **Conflict in Relationships:** Exploring the fear and pain that can arise during sensitive conversations.
- **Creating Safe Spaces:** Techniques for fostering emotional connections and empathy in interactions.
- **Addressing Inequality:** Strategies for confronting conflict within organizations.
- **Holding Spaces:** Understanding the importance of creating supportive environments in professional settings.
**Reflection:**
Engaging with Agnes and exploring her profound insights on these crucial topics has been a tremendous privilege. I am eternally grateful for her contributions.
**Upcoming Event:**
As a member of the Anti-Racist Movement (ARM), I invite you to our Second Annual National Conference on November 22nd, where Dr. Agnes Bryan will be our keynote speaker. She will share her valuable insights on this year’s theme, “I See You” (ICU).
**Conference Highlights:**
- Workshops for students, newly qualified social workers, aspiring writers, and men interested in ARM.
- Opportunities to deepen understanding of allyship and the role of effective anti-racist group facilitators.
- Artistic performances and networking opportunities with like-minded individuals committed to systemic and structural change.
Join us for what promises to be an enriching and inspiring event!
Here is the link for the ICU event organised by Shantel Thomas - founder of ARM
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