How can we support positive workplace mental health? For World Mental Health Day, Research in Practice resources aim to support those working in health and social care.
Social work is a meaningful and satisfying profession however it can be challenging and emotionally demanding, with a high risk of stress and burnout.
A survey conducted by the Social Workers Union found that two-thirds of social workers say their mental health is impacted because of their work. Many practitioners cited overwhelming workloads, pressure to complete work to tight timescales, and staff shortages. An organisation that promotes and supports workplace wellbeing can improve employee resilience and retention and lead to better outcomes for the people we support.
The following open access learning resources aim to support the mental health and wellbeing of health and social care practitioners.
Resilience is sometimes misinterpreted as meaning an individual’s ability to cope, instead of looking at the features and conditions of the system in which people can thrive.
Open access resources including publications, videos and podcasts explore and support people working in children’s and adults’ services to consider what it means to build organisational resilience.
A guide on supporting practitioner wellbeing aims to support you to repair, maintain, grow and sustain your mental health and wellbeing, to allow you to flourish and continue to support others effectively in your professional practice.
Martin Hampton shares his experiences of anxiety as a social worker. He explores the impact on personal and professional life; and how acknowledging the emotional demands of work reduces anxiety.
In a series of three videos, Jo Holloway-Green explores effective support and examines the impact of negative stigmas on everyday interactions. She also considers how we can best support practitioners whose experiences may affect their own family lives
A series of five short films explore how organisations can support neurodivergent practitioners to thrive and progress, and in the context of the continuing recruitment and retention crisis in social work, why it is important to do so. Examples of effective practice and challenge questions are included.
Neurodivergent social workers exist and there is a growing awareness they are present in every local authority service across the UK. Whilst some advances have been made, this blog focuses on the need to develop better neuroinclusive practices within social work.
We can all take steps to improve our own mental health and build resilience. It’s important to address mental health and wellbeing in the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations, and communities.
Mental health awareness: Video learning resources
Mental health awareness in adult social care is essential for ensuring that the care and support that people receive is holistic and person-centred. These resources can help you to consider what effective support might look like and how the effect of mental health stigma can be seen in everyday interactions.
Supporting practitioner wellbeing: Practice Guide (2022)
This guide aims to support you, as a social care practitioner, to repair, maintain, grow and sustain your mental health and wellbeing, to allow you to flourish and continue to support others effectively in your professional practice.
Anxiety in social work
Martin Hampton shares his experiences of anxiety as a social worker, and the impact this can have on personal and professional life.