Students adapt to succeed in a post-Covid world
Covid-19 has thrown up some tough challenges for student social workers, but they are also embracing new opportunities.
Social work students at the University of Sunderland are developing their communication skills, including how to build and establish relationships with the people they work with, using technology.
Aimee Easterbrook-Smith, from Sunderland, started her degree in September 2019, before the coronavirus outbreak andwasabletocarryoutphysical home visits.
However, this time last year the UK entered its first lockdown and Aimee, alongside millions of other students across the country, moved to online learning.
“Ididworryaboutwhatthat would mean and whether I wouldbeabletoactuallydosocial work over a camera or the phone,” the 23-year-old said.
“But the support from the university really helped me developthosecommunication skills even further to ensure that my practice is effective – whether that’s in person, over the phone or on WhatsApp.
“I don’t think the pandemic has changed my thoughts on social work as it’s just about adapting to new ways of working and I know that with the right support around me, I can still make an impact on people’s lives.”
For more information abouttheBA(Hons)socialwork degree,gotowww.sunderland. ac.uk/study/social-sciences/ undergraduate-social-work
Peter Kay, head of the School of Social Sciences at the University of Sunderland, said: “We have worked with our partner agencies within socialworktoensurethat,even through these Covid-19 times, our students have had and are continuingtohavemeaningful and real life experiences during their placements.”