Challenges and Learning in Community Development: A Social Work Practitioner's Journey
A presentation on the challenges faced and key learnings gained by a social work practitioner, Niall McAleavy, through a Specialist Award project focusing on community development. The practitioner encountered hurdles in project implementation due to funding complications, leading to a shift in project focus towards social inclusion. Despite setbacks, valuable insights were gained regarding voluntary sector complexities and the importance of balancing statutory obligations with project initiatives. Recommendations include further study to explore avenues for integrating community development into professional social work practice in Northern Ireland.
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Presentation Transcript
Community Development & Social Work Approaches A Short Presentation on the learning gained through completion of A Specialist Award by a Social Work Practitioner Niall McAleavy
Community Development Specific (Capacity Building, Models of Partnership, Participatory Approach, Collective Action) Sociological (Social Inclusion, Poverty, Marginalisation, Social Justice) Anti-Oppressive (Value-based & Ethical Practice, Structural & Cultural power influences in practice) Interpersonal & Organisational (Transformational Leadership, Theories of Change) Critically Reflective (Adult Learning theories, Reflective Practice) Summary of Key Theories Applied
Initial Planned Project was to work in partnership with a Supported Living Provider for adults with a Learning Disability with a view to enabling and promoting social inclusion. Unfortunately this Supported Living Provider declined the project due to this interfering with their current funding stream in relation to social inclusion. Consequently approached a community organisation with a new project planning to focus on social inclusion in day opportunities. Summary Stages of Final Project
Outcomes Initial Project planned was not successful in being implemented due to funding stream complications (potential duplicate funding). Consequent secondary planned project did not proceed past the planning and theoretical stage.
As a social work practitioner there were challenges and key learning in attempting to initiate a Community Development project in practice: Challenges Firstly due to the initial planned project idea being declined, time was then limited due to the Specialist Award assignment hand-in dates; and Secondly there was learning in how the Voluntary sector is complex in term of understanding funding streams; Overall Learning Thirdly the potential of further study is recommended in relation to how social work practitioners in Northern Ireland can be provided with time to initiate Community Development projects and approaches, as there exists the need to prioritise the statutory functions of professional practice.
