Critical Conversations for Social Work

Disclaimer: This episode contains mentions of suicide and suicidal ideation. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, our podcast crew member Juliette and Natalie, a mental health social worker, discuss the various obstacles that social workers face working within a hospital mental health setting. Natalie speaks about her critical and creative practices in a range of settings and most recently working with elderly people living with mental health vulnerabilities. She also outlines some of the ways in which neoliberal social structures inform many aspects of the current approach to working within the intersection of mental health and aged care. She highlights the limiting aspects of such an approach and sheds light on the ways in which she individually infuses a critical approach into her practice as a way to manoeuvre through some of the barriers in the system. Natalie shares her experiences and critically reflects on some of the mistakes she’s made along the way in her journey. Transcript https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WUmBCbBv38A5-pnW8jUhwEXUe6Dtn5cS/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104391506849562986537&rtpof=true&sd=true Sources: Neolibral Defintion: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/neoliberalism/ Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ Long stay Patients Definition (QLD government): https://www.darlingdowns.health.qld.gov.au/patients-and-visitors/health-costs-insurance-and-financial-support/long-stay-patients NDIS: https://www.ndis.gov.au/understanding/supports-funded-ndis Home Care Packages: https://www.myagedcare.gov.au/help-at-home/home-care-packages WHO: Ageism: https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/ageing-ageism Keywords: community mental health, social justice agency, hospital social work, healthcare system, mental health sector, oppressive systems, ageism, critical lens, social justice, privilege, elderly, agency, challenging, egalitarian, mental health act, creative resistence, critical reflection, neoliberalism, capitalism. Music by Boe Towah Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4S

Disclaimer: This episode discusses difficult topics related to racism, suicide, themes of displacement, and domestic and family violence. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, podcast crew member Laila interviews Deepa, a social worker at the Romero Center. They dive ‘Deepa’ into working alongside people seeking asylum, and the complexities that come with this work. Deepa shares her personal experience as a migrant, and how she uses her lived experience to relate and work passionately with people who have experienced the trauma of war and/or have become displaced in their country of origin. In addition, recognising those who have fled because of gendered violence. They explore discourses and structures that perpetuate these difficulties. Deepa speaks of the supports provided for those who are facing everyday life struggles and barriers to employment and education, helping to empower people seeking asylum in Australia. Deepa expresses the importance of reflective practice, compassion and self-care so that she can continue doing the work she loves. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LWOnlTJkhF6hFthuq7uSpeQflCeEd-8R/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=104391506849562986537&rtpof=true&sd=true Keywords: reflective practice, people seeking asylum, systemic barriers, displacement, domestic and family violence, empowerment, support, trauma, cultural practice, self-care, lived experience Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW

In this episode, Peter Westoby, a passionate community development worker and former educator at QUT with a career spanning 22 years introduces crew member Teddy to the creative ways Paulo Freire’s critical pedagogy has supported him in his community development and education practice. Among other insightful ideas, highlighted is his use of Freire’s concept of codification and the need for love and dialogue in community development. Peter gives examples from his own practice experiences with the intention to ‘start with the people, but not stay with the people’. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1EFaCseIxls_bARG8PtrhUskRdBYhqYYaZ0HDr6jw4Lw/edit?usp=sharing Key References: Kelly, A., & Westoby, P. (2018). Participatory development practice : using traditional and contemporary frameworks. Practical Action Publishing. Hummingbird House. Home - Hummingbird House. Partime community development work (hospice) Community Praxis Co-op https://www.communitypraxis.org/ Freire, P. (2000). Pedagogy of the oppressed (30th anniversary ed.). Continuum. https://envs.ucsc.edu/internships/internship-readings/freire-pedagogy-of-the-oppressed.pdf Freire Institute. (2023). Concepts Used by Paulo Freire (praxis, generative themes, dialogue, conscientisation and codification). https://www.freire.org/concepts-used-by-paulo-freire Keywords: critical pedagogy, Paulo Friere, pedagogy of the oppressed, community development, conscientisation, codification, collective dialogue, patriarchy, love, narrative practice, collection action, generative themes, Stimulus for dialogue, collective conversations Music by Boe Toweh

This episode features Associate Professor Heather Fraser, educator and course coordinator at QUT and crew member Georgia. In the episode, Heather speaks passionately with Georgia about her research and pedagogy in the area of critical animal studies and green social work and how this has shaped her social work practice and everyday life. This discussion acknowledges the role of social work to protect and emancipate non-human animals. The social and political complexities that exist in this space such as the exploitation of non-human animals in dairy farming, the patriarchal dominance that leads to a meat-centric society (even in social work) and veganism are explored with valuable insights for students and practitioners. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19L97-qc02kFFy8z1JIXjRzg3CCafduwGEgLF_o8I5vk/edit?usp=sharing Key References: Carbado, D., Crenshaw, K., Mays, V., & Tomlinson, B. (2013). INTERSECTIONALITY: Mapping the movements of a theory. Du Bois Review: Social Science Research on Race, 10(2), 303-312. doi:10.1017/S1742058X13000349 Cleary, J., & Dominelli, L. (2020) Social work and disasters: Systematic literature review, main report. Stirling Scotland: University of Stirling, Faculty of Social Sciences. Dominelli, L. (2015). The opportunities and challenges of social work interventions in disaster situations. International Social Work, 58(5), 659–672. https://doi.org/10.1177/0020872815598353 Dominelli, L. (2018). The routledge handbook of green social work. Taylor & Francis Group. Fraser, H., & Taylor, N. (2020). Insights from ecofeminist and critical animal studies in the context of neoliberalism. In C. Morley., P. Ablett., C. Noble., & S. Cowden (Eds.), The routledge handbook of critical pedagogies for social work (pp. 296-309). Taylor & Francis Group. Riggs, D., Taylor, N., & Fraser, H. (Hosts). (2022, June). Intersectionality and social work (No. 2) [Audio podcast episode]. Spotify. Episode 2: Nik Taylor and Heather Fraser Keywords: Animal rights, critical animal studies, green social work, intersectionality, speciesism, exploitation and cruelty of non-human animals, patriarchy, neoliberalism, deep learning, shifting the paradigm Music by Boe Toweh

Jean holds space for a conversation with former QUT student Peter and crew member Izzy to unpack the previous episode with Jen and Angela. Izzy and Peter generously share their experience of working in queer spaces in their field placement and practice from their lived perspective. In the discussion a conversation about how to bring queer theory into social work and human service practice by challenging heteronormativity and the important role critical reflection plays when working alongside people who identify as LGBTIQA+. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1frSuLgNDmtb7uvzzCPCipKEcI8CKdNxmBzL9fIxtJmY/edit?usp=sharing Key References: Damien Riggs podcast - Intersectionality and Social Work, Episode 1: Sandy O’Sullivan https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-1-sandy-osullivan/id1628960210?i=1000565922828 Damien Riggs podcast - Intersectionality and Social Work, Episode 3: Arlene Lev https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/episode-3-arlene-lev/id1628960210?i=1000565922756 Keywords: gender diversity, LGBTQIA+, queer pedagogies, heteronormativity, critical reflection, homophobia, compulsive heterosexuality (comphet), heteronormative fragility, misgendering, intersectionality. Music by Boe Toweh

Jen Kaighin, a queer educator at QUT, joins crew member Angela to discuss how queer theory supports her education practice.  Jen talks about her experience as a practitioner in the human services field working with young people. Jen discusses how queer theory helped her to make critical links between theory and practice in her role as a practitioner. Jen speaks to the importance of queer theory in social work and human services education to challenge heteronormative and homophobic assumptions in education spaces through holding critical conversations. Recognised in the discussion is the importance of systemic change in order to challenge social inequalities as a result of cisnormative dominance in society. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1x-ZMSbVeJsktD4rLG11EkfE3fiUDUb3Yim1KJslbx5c/edit Key Definitions: Cisgender: A cisgender person has a gender identity that matches their sex assigned at birth. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisgender  Cisnormativity: The assumption that everyone is, or ought to be, cisgender. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisgender Heteronormativity: The concept that heterosexuality is the preferred or normal mode of sexual orientation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heteronormativity Key References: Open Doors: https://www.opendoors.net.au/ Featherstone, B., & Green, L. (2013). Judith Butler. In Gray, M., & Webb, S. (Eds.), Social work theories and methods (pp. 63-72). SAGE Publications, Limited. Fryer, D. R., & Wilchins, R. A. (2016). Thinking queerly: race, sex, gender, and the ethics of identity. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315631585 Kaighin, J. (2020). Embedding the queer and embracing the crisis: Kevin Kumashiro’s anti-oppressive pedagogies for queering social work education and practice. In C. Morley (ed.), Critical transformative learning and social work education (pp. 333-344). New York: Routledge. Keywords: pronouns, queer theory, queer practice, community, anti-oppressive practice, systemic and structural change, heteronormativity, cisnormativity, power and privilege, gendered identity, diverse sexualities and genders, gender performativity. Music by Boe Toweh

In this episode, former student at QUT Lauren Mickle is speaking to Jean about the complexities of housing and homelessness with a focus on her research on boarding houses in Brisbane region in the late 80’s, based on her article “An Olympic feat: Securing boarding house tenancies in Brisbane''. Their discussions touch on the gentrification of suburbs across Brisbane city. Jean and Lauren also revisit Shane and Angela’s part A homelessness episode and deconstruct that further. They share ways in which practitioners, educators and students can bring about social change by offering an alternative way of living and organising society, which may lead to the transformation of the housing crisis in Australia. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1rEYilhsR01JuQEXI9fcGUeWaroduzT2K/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104391506849562986537&rtpof=true&sd=true Key References: An Olympic feat: Securing boarding house tenancies in Brisbane By Lauren Mickle, Michelle Newcomb and Andrew Webster: https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.443123654898830 Inequality in Australia By ACOSS and UNSW: https://povertyandinequality.acoss.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Inequality-in-Australia-2020-Part-2-Who-is-affected-and-why_FINAL.pdf 'The Eviction' Documentary by SBS: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/video/1748870211638/the-eviction Keywords: gentrification, social housing, deserving vs undeserving, disenfranchised, emancipation, rejecting stereotypes, Housing First approach, social change through deinitialization Music by Boe Toweh

In this episode, Angela interviews Shane Warren, a lecturer at QUT about the activist pedagogy he uses when working with marginalised peoples across a variety of practice areas.  Shane expresses his passion for critical and anti-oppressive practices and exposes the structural inequalities and dehumanising stereotypes prevalent within the homelessness space. Angela and Shane touch on the lack of funding for public housing and what we can do to create social change. Shane shares powerful stories from people’s own lived experience. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Gxgcuaf1g3d0mJIDKcJTHP9zlqyRgTuCTNW88fXChgA/edit?usp=sharing Key References: The 2008 White paper on Homelessness "The road home: A national approach to reducing homelessness" : https://apo.org.au/node/2882 Conditionality in the context of housing-led homelessness policy: Comparing Australia’s Housing First agenda to Scotland’s “rights-based” approach By Andrew Clarke, Beth Watts & Cameron Parsell: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ajs4.97 Report released for National Homelessness Week reveals more people are sleeping rough by Belinda Tasker & Donna Coutts: https://www.kidsnews.com.au/humanities/report-released-for-national-homelessness-week-reveals-more-people-are-sleeping-rough/news-story/f3259c4c84504112ea054824c8be7f4b Step 2 to ending chronic homelessness published by San Rafael: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/step-2-ending-chronic-homelessness/ Keywords: Exposes Dehumanising Stereotypes, Anti-Oppressive Practices, Structural Inequalities, Lived Experiences, Social Change, Activist Pedagogy, Critical and Anti-oppressive Practices. Music by Boe Toweh

Crew member Hayley Thirkettle, QUT social work educator and field placement coordinator Claire Hauser, and Jean discuss societal injustices and unpack some dominant discourses, such as global capitalism and neoliberalism following the eye opening part A episode with Aaron, Phillip and Christine. This dynamic trio share ways practitioners can use critical pedagogy and critical reflection in their everyday practices to avoid the trap of becoming neoliberal zombies. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LJFNJYFVolq8QH8TyrEvgBz980Hl86qOmjAv7Lt0k4I/edit?usp=sharing Key Definition: Democracy:  A system of government by the whole population or all the eligible members of a state, typically through elected representatives. It is a form of government in which the people have authority to deliberate and decide legislation ("direct democracy") or choose governing officials to do so ("representative democracy").  Key References:  The Decent Society by Avishai Margalit: https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/233770  Rethinking the Language of Schooling by Henry A. Giroux: https://www.jstor.org/stable/41405135  The Neoliberal Colonisation of Social Work Education: A Critical Analysis and Practices for Resistance by Christine Morley, dr. Selma Macfarlane & Dr. Phillip Ablett: https://journal.anzswwer.org/index.php/advances/article/view/168  After the Apology: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/movie/after-the-apology/1333274179947  Keywords: critical pedagogy, democratic pedagogy, social justice, power structures, power relations, dominant discourse, neoliberalism, capitalism, activist practice, the decent society. Music by Boe Toweh

This episode features QUT Social Work professor and discipline lead Christine Morley and QUT course coordinator Dr Phillip Ablett (QUT). During this episode, Phillip and Christine speak about their experiences as critical practitioners working with critical pedagogy in social work education. Christine breaks down the dominant discourse of neoliberalism and how critical pedagogy works against it to combat social change. Phillip shares his views on the significance of democratic education as a crucial element of socially just practice. Both offer examples from their own experience as educators in contemporary practice. Episode Transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jJHK_c7goxp8YGjTshIMnfouTbV-15_xmcR7r1RBLF0/edit?usp=sharing  Key Definitions:  Neoliberalism: Neoliberalism asserts that markets are efficient and effective (marketisation); individuals should be responsible for themselves and run their own lives (consumerisation); and the private sector can supply management knowledge and techniques to the public and voluntary sectors (managerialisation) (Harris, 2014). A Decent Society:  [Avishai Margalit] builds his social philosophy on this foundation: a decent society, or a civilised society, is one whose institutions do not humiliate the people under their authority, and whose citizens do not humiliate one another.  Key Readings: The Routledge Handbook of Critical Pedagogies for Social Work Edited By Christine Morley, Phillip Ablett, Carolyn Noble, Stephen Cowden https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781351002042/routledge-handbook-critical-pedagogies-social-work-christine-morley-phillip-ablett-carolyn-noble-stephen-cowden Harris, J. (2014) (Against) neoliberal social work. Critical and radical social work, 2 (1), 7–22. http://dx.doi.org/10.1332/204986014X13912564145528 The Decent Society by Avishai Margalit Keywords: critical pedagogy, democratic pedagogy, social justice, power structures, power relations, dominant discourse, neoliberalism, capitalism, activist practice, the decent society. Music by Boe Toweh 

This episode features Dr. Deb Duthie, a Wakka Wakka Warumungu woman. Dr Deb is the director of Indigenous Health for the Faculty of Health at QUT. Dr. Deb speaks about how Indigenous perspectives are the foundation of the work she does. Dr. Deb recognises the importance of Indigenous perspectives when advocating with Aboriginal and Torrestrait islander people towards empowerment and emancipation. She explains how Indigenous perspectives challenge dominant structures to decolonise social work and human services through activism and advocacy, and centering the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples. Episode transcript:  https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kEhhF2o2NdBT-Fl3OtyRf25ixavwHIbB9dUYUkoMvDY/edit?usp=sharing  Keywords: Cultural Safety, Critical reflection, Colonisation, Indigenous perspectives, Indigenous voices, Cherbourg, Empowerment approach, Historical context Music By Boe Toweh

This episode provides an introduction to the Critical Conversations for Social Work podcast from the perspectives of the podcast crew. The podcast aims to share knowledge about critical and creative understandings and practices that support social work analysis and practice. There are various critical and creative pedagogies used in social work education and practice, our aim is to make these ideas accessible to students, practitioners and educators in social work and human services. In this episode, we discuss how this podcast emerged and how critical and creative pedagogies position social justice at the forefront of social work and human services. Episode transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qOFSPPf6SH_ZrTIb3cqoA8jLF9ZNjTFB/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115508036334221479145&rtpof=true&sd=true Key References: The Routledge Handbook of Critical Pedagogies for Social Work Edited By Christine Morley, Phillip Ablett, Carolyn Noble, Stephen Cowden https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781351002042/routledge-handbook-critical-pedagogies-social-work-christine-morley-phillip-ablett-carolyn-noble-stephen-cowden Keywords: critical and creative pedagogies, social justice, collaboration, marginalized voices, notions of power, accessibility, sharing knowledge, values of diversity and inclusivity, setting the foundation. Music by Boe Toweh

In this episode, podcast crew members Boe (student) and Jean (educator) orient listeners to the Critical Conversations for Social Work podcast. This was the premier episode in this Centre for Social Change project. Through their discussion, Boe and Jean unpack ideas of counter-hegemonic practices as an alternative to neoliberal social work. Boe speaks to Jean about her pedagogy, namely critical performance pedagogy used in her practice as a lecturer, social work practitioner and placement supervisor. Jean, touches on how play, and performance, can be used to deconstruct dominant discourses in society and provide avenues for alternative knowledge to be valued in social work education and practice as a way to promote emancipatory change. Episode Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XoLQ1dfZEJHPapqa9dbHggHgnhsZd_S-/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=115508036334221479145&rtpof=true&sd=true The Routledge Handbook of Critical Pedagogies for Social Work Edited By Christine Morley, Phillip Ablett, Carolyn Noble, Stephen Cowden https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.4324/9781351002042/routledge-handbook-critical-pedagogies-social-work-christine-morley-phillip-ablett-carolyn-noble-stephen-cowden Keywords: counter-hegemonic, critical performance pedagogy, democratic approach, challenging assumptions, collaborative process, dialogue for change, awareness raising, transformative education and practice. Music by Boe Toweh

Disclaimer: This episode contains mentions of substances, sexual assault and sexual violence, and the mention of death of a young person. Please listen at your own discretion. In this, our final episode of the series, crew members Sia and Jean unpack the previous episode with Brooke and Chen Li about creative practice in the AOD space. Sia shares valuable insights into social policy directions in AOD, with a particular focus on harm reduction and drug diversion. The conversation touches on theories, a range of approaches and the importance of cultural safety and abolitionist practices to support a shift in perception of AOD practice and the criminalisation of people who use substances. In addition, the role of peer workers highlighting the importance of lived and living experience practitioners and the decriminalisation of the AOD practice space. Sia and Jean discuss the value of transparent and informative conversations with young people about drug and alcohol use. The pair share reflexively some intimate and colourful stories that have shaped their relationship with drug and alcohol use and their practice. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1n-VCyV7F5_teof_F59WiNEWQB14tl-nT/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103726718570283534995&rtpof=true&sd=true References/Resources: Queensland drug reform initiatives  Two major drug reform initiatives announced (shorthandstories.com) Abolitionist social work  Abolitionist Social Work | Encyclopedia of Social Work (oxfordre.com) “Achieving Balance” – Queensland Health Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2022 – 2027 https://6232990.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6232990/Achieving%20balance%20The%20Queensland%20Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20Plan%202022-2027.pdf Harm Reduction Strategies https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/staying-safe-events/harm-reduction-strategies/ The National Drug Strategy 2017 – 2026 https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-drug-strategy-2017-2026 Definition of Therapeutic Jurisprudence: The Concept of Therapeutic Jurisprudence - Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration - Australasian Institute of Judicial Administration (aija.org.au) Keywords: #alcoholandotherdrugs #socialpolicy #drugdiversion #culturalsafety #abolitionistpractices #reflexivity #criticalreflection #peerworkers #livedandliving experience #colourfulstories Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW

Disclaimer: This episode contains mentions of drugs and other substances, and the mention of death of a young person. Please listen at your own discretion. Your mental health matters. Note: The drug diversion program starts in 2024 when Brooke mentioned "next year" as we recorded this episode at the end of 2023 In this episode, Chen Li sits down and chats with Brooke about creative practice within the Alcohol and other Drugs space. The pair discuss the differences between harm reduction and harm minimisation within policy, referencing the National Drug Strategy and Queensland’s pill testing. Also discussed was the importance of a harm reduction approach to foster self-determination, education and choice. Brooke shares her story and anecdotes about her own experiences and how they have shaped her practice. Brooke also shares passionately two initiatives she has developed, Conscious Nest and Hi-Ground, which are programs she and her team have delivered at music festivals through creative practices, providing a safe and comfortable environment  for festival-goers and young people who need some chill out time. Brooke and Chen Li discuss the value of peer to peer support, and unpack the stigma around drug and alcohol use and how it is often criminalised. Later in the episode, Brooke shares with listeners the importance of self-care, the risks of burn out, and how critical reflection opens a pathway for safe, creative, and fun praxis within the AOD space. Brooke generously shares her experiences from Canada and Australia, the ways in which harm reduction is approached differently, and the ways in which her programs provide support to the festival community and beyond. At its core, this episode challenges the biases of society, with Brooke discussing the way society frames drug and alcohol use, and the people who use them. Transcript: References/Resources: “Achieving Balance” – Queensland Health Drug and Alcohol Strategy 2022 – 2027  https://6232990.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/6232990/Achieving%20balance%20The%20Queensland%20Drug%20and%20Alcohol%20Plan%202022-2027.pdf The National Drug Strategy 2017 – 2026 https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-drug-strategy-2017-2026 Harm Reduction Strategies https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/staying-safe-events/harm-reduction-strategies/ Glossary of terms - https://adf.org.au/resources/did-glossary/ Keywords: drug and alcohol use, creative practice, peer to peer support, harm reduction, harm minimisation, Conscious Nest, Hi-Ground, criminialisation, social justice, anti-oppressive, anti-establishment, trauma informed, self-care, critical reflection Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW

Disclaimer: This episode discusses people’s perspectives of their lived experiences with cancer. This is a sensitive topic, please listen at your discretion.  Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Z3UqU6KPU3rt5-u6kfpMeS7JtDSt05ap/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100719681595597138502&rtpof=true&sd=true In this episode, Jean chats with Ari to further unpack creative practice in supporting people living with cancer. At its heart, this episode is a discussion grounded in empathy and understanding, focusing on key concepts such as identity, social discourse, connection, and courage. Ari and Jean explore and unpack the concept of resilience, outlining its value and limitations. Ari discusses the importance of identity and its relation to young people, touching on themes of social isolation and societal constructions. Jean and Ari both discuss body image and appearance, with an eye opening discussion that conceptualises the way society constructs people living with cancer, unpacking assumptions and presumptions, while linking this to societal discourses and the overarching concept of how society views young people. Further, Jean and Ari discuss the importance of advocacy in this space, not just for young people and their families, but for the program itself; recognising the importance of lived experience sharing to benefit this space and place a person-led lens on the advocacy itself, while also raising important awareness for creative practice.  References/Resources:  A critique of resilience - journal article or website Chimera Legacy Foundation ⁠https://chimeralegacyfoundation.org.au/⁠ The Queensland Youth Advisory Group (YAG) ⁠https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/chq/our-services/queensland-youth-cancer-service/the-queensland-youth-advisory-group-yag/⁠ Sony Foundation Australia ⁠https://www.sonyfoundation.org/who-we-are⁠ - Keywords: Creative practice, empathy, advocacy, living with cancer, lived experience, young people, person-led, social isolation, resilience, social discourse, identity Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW

Disclaimer: This episode discusses people’s perspectives of their lived experiences with cancer. This is a sensitive topic, please listen at your discretion.  Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1p3PDg14mvtkZZ--YYP40lK9n2UpsXUmX/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100719681595597138502&rtpof=true&sd=true In this episode, Aliona and Sally, two passionate social work students and cancer survivors, enlighten our listeners on how young people (18-25) living with cancer experience creative advocacy. Both Aliona and Sally speak from their lived experience, highlighting social workers' vital role for people living with cancer, through group advocacy and individual supports. They recognise social workers as an essential support system and a shoulder to cry on during the harsh and painful treatments. This came at a time when they were formulating their identities and discovering themselves. Sally gives an example of a Virtual Reality experience run by the Chimera Foundation, which allowed them to escape the hospital environment without breaking ‘hospital protocol’ and even allowed Aliona and her brother to 'return' to their home country during the Covid pandemic. References/Resources Chimera Legacy Foundation https://chimeralegacyfoundation.org.au/ The Queensland Youth Advisory Group (YAG) https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/chq/our-services/queensland-youth-cancer-service/the-queensland-youth-advisory-group-yag/ Sony Foundation Australia https://www.sonyfoundation.org/who-we-are - need more info Perez, G. K., Salsman, J. M., Fladeboe, K., Kirchhoff, A. C., Park, E. R., & Rosenberg, A. R. (2020). Taboo Topics in Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology: Strategies for Managing Challenging but Important Conversations Central to Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Survivorship. American Society of Clinical Oncology Educational Book, (40), 1–e185. https://doi.org/10.1200/EDBK_279787 Keywords: Hospital social work, cancer, cancer survivor, Chimera Foundation, Virtual Reality, Youth Advisory Group (YAG), youth advocacy, support, connection, lived/living experience Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW

Disclaimer: This episode will contain mentions of mental health and trauma, suicide and suicidal ideation, and institutional abuse. Listener discretion is advised. In this episode, Jean and Moira talk about men’s mental health, toxic masculinity, and the challenges within the NDIS scheme. Moira shares her perspectives on how societal expectations oppress men and how these contribute to issues like violence towards women, high rates of suicidal risk, systemic challenges for young people and people with disability. Jean and Moira also touch on the gaps in accessing the NDIS and the challenges faced by individuals navigating the system. They advocate for a more comprehensive, compassionate, and understanding approach to mental health practice on an individual and systemic level. Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jVKp2QPMn_dPPXhJMrQDK5gwUF3IsbcEYFf1aGcXpj8/edit?usp=sharing References/Resources: Toxic masculinity definition and impact: https://adaa.org/learn-from-us/from-the-experts/blog-posts/consumer/what-toxic-masculinity-and-how-it-impacts-mental Cause of death Australia 2022: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/causes-death/causes-death-australia/latest-release#intentional-self-harm-deaths-suicide-in-australia NDIS: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ Non-deliberative practices:https://fass.nus.edu.sg/nai/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2021/06/Day-3.pdf Keywords: men’s mental health, NDIS, toxic masculinity, hegemonic masculinity, systemic oppression, lived experience, non-deliberative interventions, creative and critical practice, feminism, self-care Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW 

In this episode, our crew member Tilly engages in an insightful conversation with Simon, a private practitioner in the NDIS and mental health space and the founder of Mindfulness Men. Simon calls himself a lived experience therapist and generously shares his journey of navigating mental health challenges. Tilly and Simon talk about how society constructions of masculinity impact men’s mental health. Simon and Tilly have a robust conversation about the struggles of working with the NDIS and work cover systems for funding support. They also discuss approaches to self-care, supervision, and the importance of critical reflection when working in private practice. Simon shares insights into his creative approach to work with men which involves “mindfulness on the move” among other activities, aiming to destigmatize the therapy process and create a comfortable space for men to talk about their mental health issues.  Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JKCimh0HLCEszuf7hmd2SRMFGBPXUHuQ/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=100719681595597138502&rtpof=true&sd=true References/Resources:  Mindful Men: Mindful Men - Mindful Men AUS (mindful-men.com.au) NDIS: https://www.ndis.gov.au/ Work cover Queensland: https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/about/who-we-are/workcover-queensland Mindfulness definition: https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/mindfulness  Hegemonic masculinity definition: https://helpfulprofessor.com/hegemonic-masculinity-examples/ Keywords:  #socialwork #Men'sMentalHealth #MentalHealth #NDIS #LivedExperiencepractitioner #PrivatePractice #creativeapproaches #SelfCare #ProfessionalDevelopment #SupportWorker #DisabilitySupport #CommunityEngagement #hegemonicmasculinity #burnout #MentalHealthAdvocacy Music by Boe Toweh Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW 

In this special feature follow-up episode, our crew member Nate speaks with Tamara and Mai from Students Against Placement Poverty (SAPP) Queensland branch. They discuss the growing concern and movement forward in the efforts to secure paid placement for students in social work and human service degrees and other helping professions. The activist group members speak about the vision and goals of SAPP to support placement students who are struggling. Mai and Tamara outline the key challenges of completing the unpaid placement, disrupting the notion of 1000 hours of placement as the gold standard and the personal, social, and political implications of current placement directives. Both share their own placement experience and encourage Nate to share his experience as an international student. They acknowledge their lived and living experience as similar to students’ stories in the research conducted by Christine Morley and associates. The SAPP members provide insights about the work being done to address the concerns including the role played by the University Accord and the role that might be played by the AASW to enact change.  Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1E7gauJG1mMRFOaiHtoX1SL8P0599KkB3/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103726718570283534995&rtpof=true&sd=true Resources: SAPP Instagram: https://instagram.com/SAPPQLD           Facebook:  https://facebook.com/SAPPQLD Why students need to be paid for work placements: https://theconversation.com/we-can-no-longer-justify-unpaid-labour-why-uni-students-need-to-be-paid-for-work-placements-203421 Three ways to fix student work placements: https://theconversation.com/it-is-impossible-for-me-to-be-unpaid-3-ways-to-fix-student-work-placements-213151 Universities Accord interim report: https://www.education.gov.au/australian-universities-accord Interview with QLD Students Against Placement Poverty: https://www.qutglass.com/increase-the-volume-an-interview-with-qld-students-against-placement-poverty/ An open letter from SAPP: https://www.qutglass.com/open-letter-from-sapp/ Change harmful placement models: https://www.tinyurl.com/SAPPQLD Keywords: SAPP, students against placement poverty, unpaid placement, 1000 hours, neoliberalism, AASW, University Accord, students stories, international student placements, social justice, inequality, system theory, poststructuralism, feminist theory, call to action Music By Boe Towah Follow us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticalconversations4sw/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CriticalConversations4SW