What do you think you gained /will take away from your placement at MCFB?
Firstly, this placement has taught me the importance of multi-cultural social work practice. I have learned to appreciate my own culture and identity as well as grasp an understanding of other cultures and religions. Also, my understanding of Islam was enhanced following an afternoon spent at Edinburgh Central Mosque. This placement has encouraged me to reflect deeply on my values and ethics and emphasised the need for anti-discriminatory practice. Prior to this placement, I did not realise the amount of racism that families and their children continue to face and the affects that this can have on many aspects of their lives, for example, at school.
Attending Shakti Women’s Aid practice-based training on issues affecting BME women/children experiencing domestic abuse will be a memorable experience. I developed my knowledge about the different types of domestic abuse, including dowry and honour-based abuse. I also learned about forced marriage and female-genital mutilation and the legislative and policy framework underpinning women’s rights in the UK.
My placement at MCFB provided me with a range of learning opportunities, for example I supported families affected by domestic abuse, mental health, disabilities, immigration as well as social exclusion. As well as this, I now feel more confident in using therapeutic play to work with and enhance the development/stimulation of very young children.
Co-facilitating groupwork for young carers was a unique and interesting experience. For example, I learned about the ways in which caring roles can manifest within BME communities. This groupwork highlighted the use of the ‘third object’ for example, cooking/playing games with young people.
What do you think you were able to contribute to the work of MCFB?
I have become attuned to the needs of children aged 0-3 and their parents as well as to the many structural barriers that BME families face in Scotland. I have been encouraged to apply relevant theory and research to my practice, whilst being culturally sensitive, for example attachment and child development theories.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the time provided throughout this placement to build relationships with community groups. This placement has taught me that it can be much easier to intervene once individuals and families have developed a sense of trust/confidence in the worker.
I was able to work in partnership with families at home and within group settings. I worked alongside the aims and outcomes of the agency which includes: improved emotional-wellbeing for families, increased confidence in parenting as well as an enhanced understanding of children’s needs. I carried out assessments of need and risk using the Scottish Government’s GIRFEC National Practice Model which developed key social work skills including multi-agency working, observation and report writing.
What will be your lasting impression/memory of MCFB?
One lasting impression is the dedication of this agency to supporting BME families. I have observed the commitment of MCFB to meeting the growing needs of parents and children within the community. MCFB are not rigid in their responses/intervention and encourage students to ‘think outside of the box’. I will remember the supportive and inclusive learning environment that was offered to us at MCFB and how this has enhanced my professional confidence and competence moving forward as a newly qualified social worker.
