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=

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

**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

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/icu-or-i-see-you-annual-national-conference-from-the-anti-racist-movement-tickets-1007943996627?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our last interview before the summer break, #DrAgnesBryan takes an even deeper dive into the role of the anti-racist facilitator/trainer in supporting transformation. She touches on the emotionality of the space, the feelings of the parties involved, and the need to keep moving forward through relationship-building and increasing our political savvy to promote understanding of the context in which race, racism, and discrimination are difficult to discuss. 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 5th Anniversary of The Social Workers Matter Podcast, Dr Sylvia is interviewed by Academic, writer and coach Ms Sharon Jennings.

Sylvia and Sharon discussed various aspects of Sylvia's life and career, including her interests, her approach to work, and her personal and professional journey regarding anti-racism. Additional discussion topics included Sylvia's Interests and Approach to Work, Anti-Racism Journeys and Collective Wisdom, Black African Women's Experiences and Legacy Preservation, Sylvia's Shift Towards Creativity and Fulfilment and Ancestral Resilience, Creativity, and Performing Arts.

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr. Agnes Bryan provides a deep analysis of the dynamics and processes involved in engaging in challenging conversations about race and racism. Specifically, she delves into the topic in Chapter 4 of her unpublished manuscript. Dr. Bryan explores the concept of racial anxiety and fear, examining how these emotions manifest in the interactions between black and white individuals. She emphasizes the importance of understanding that seeking knowledge and wanting answers to "fix" the issue is not the same as truly knowing and comprehending the complexities of race. Dr. Bryan encourages the development of highly attuned listening skills as a means to navigate these challenging conversations effectively.

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Dr Agnes Bryan continues to share another chapter from her manuscript - chapter III.  We discuss in detail elements of 'Holding Spaces for Conversations' about race, racism and anti-racism. 

A fascinating discussion where I shared my experiences when delivering anti-racist training and Agnes applied her thinking to the live material.  

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sylvia and Louisa discussed the importance of accessibility for the deaf community, with Louisa sharing her personal experiences as a black parent of her son who became deaf following illness.  She shares some of the challenges she faced in navigating the healthcare system. They also discussed her son's educational journey and his later career prospects.   Louisa's son Ashton is an inspiring story, as he has not let his hearing impairment hold him back, and has received a tremendous amount in his life.  The conversation also touched on the challenges of communication with the deaf community, the importance of parental research and advocacy, and the need to better represent the disabled community in various fields.

Link:  National Deaf Children's Society   -   https://www.ndcs.org.uk/ 

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After a break of almost 6 months, SWM is back - in this 81st episode, I am in conversation with academic, author, coach and facilitator Dr Agnes Bryan. 

Agnes discusses in detail, chapter 5  from her manuscript: 'Facilitation Leadership & Containment'.

She highlights the need for skillful and courageous facilitation as we seek to navigate transformative change personally, professionally and within organisations on issues of race, racism and anti discrimination, in the work place and societally.

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Stefan Brown joins SWM again for part II of his interview.  He shares aspects of his anti-racism work as a Social Work Programme lead at Royal Holloway, University of London.  Stefan has worked at the University for 14 years. You will also hear about his interests in Mental Health and Criminal Justice in relation to the treatment of Black Men in these spaces.

Topics we cover include:

•  involvement in #SWEARN - Social Work Education anti-racist network.
• project - decolonising the curriculum
• Work with Black & Global majority (B&GM) students, teaching staff
• setting up a mentoring scheme for B&GM students
• mental health services and the treatment of Black men and the cross-over with the criminal justice system.

Stefan can be reached at:  [email protected]

==================================================================

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Ashigbor is a social work academic based at Southbank University.  Richard is a lecturer and the Course Lead for Social Work at the institution. Richard shares aspects of his rich practice and leadership background and how he reluctantly became an academic which he had not planned.

He shares;

• the route to his academic career - citing the murder of George Floyd and Hackney's Child Q as significant events during this period of his life
• discovering differences and similarities between social work practice and academia, seeking ways to challenge established norms in terms of theories and their origins
• the challenges of teaching and managing the multitudes of dynamics and politics in the teaching space - where surprisingly respect and dignity were noticeably absent
• locating support for himself and finding his voice

His vision:

• achieve top University spot 
• become an increasingly inclusive programme
• develop varied assessment approaches
• complete a teaching qualification as part of continuous professional development

Future research interests:

• Youth violence
• Familial sexual abuse
• adultification
• aspects of allied services and working together

Richard wants to be 'intentional' about achieving change and inclusivity.

Do share your feedback at [email protected]

Join our Fb community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/412169436067530

Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCB6IJzP9UzJn2B5oXclbnOw

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.