Teaching future Social Workers with the CASCADE Parents Group

The aim was to provide students with insights into the lived experience of parents working with social services. The session sought to develop their future professional practice through building their empathy.

“The parents’ involvement has been invaluable. Their stories and insights offer students a perspective they can’t get from textbooks. It’s a privilege to have them shape the way we teach empathy and relationship-building in social work.” 

Prof. David Wilkins

Initially, Prof. Wilkins and the group explored how to support the course, while ensuring the wellbeing of our parent contributors. We settled on a combination of lecture style presentations and time in small groups thinking through some practice-based scenarios.

Storm Bert nearly derailed our plans, but those who could travelled to Cardiff, while the others joined online. During the lecture our parents explained how the group was formed, the work they do and identified key themes. They told students about the importance of seeing parents as partners, building empathy, looking after their own wellbeing, supporting everyone in the family – not just the child – and recognising the difference a good social worker can make. Some of our members shared their experiences and they finished the presentation with some pre-selected questions. Before taking part in the seminars with the students. The effect on the students was profound.

“It was hugely beneficial to listen to the parents’ lived experiences. They were powerful and inspiring. They emphasised the need to show people empathy and understanding, regardless of what has happened.”

“It was lovely to hear real perspectives on social work experiences. I found it particularly good to listen to explanations of no one being perfect and the little things we can do to help, like taking photos and providing memories.”

Quotes from students regarding the session

This session reiterated the importance of listening to and learning from people with lived experience of services. It also demonstrates how public involvement can help bridge the gaps between academic training, practice and research.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and bravery shown by our parents and their commitment to improving social services. The session also had a positive impact on them.

“It was inspiring to be able to share my experience with students and for them to be listening intently and taking notes on our suggestions, I felt human.”

“I always get surprised just how much of an impact it really has when students hear our stories. They will have to make decisions that can change families lives. The impact of these decisions can be a surprise for social workers.”

Quotes from our parents’ group

Thank you from all of us.