Social Work: An Introduction
Weblinks
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
There are a range of web resources that can support your learning across many of the topics and themes covered in Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition. On each chapter page of this website we have made some specific suggestions about web resources that you might look at. In addition, as a general statement about useful web resources we have repeated a General Resources section on each chapter page (see below). Please note that these lists are not exhaustive and are aimed at providing some starting points from which you might begin to explore what the web has to offer. Remember when using the web that it is important you assess the quality of the material you are looking at. There is much available that is merely personal opinion and much available that is factually incorrect. Accessing reputable websites increases the reliability and validity of the material presented to you. It is also worth being aware of the fact that some websites refer more heavily to legislation and policy in certain jurisdictions of the UK as opposed to others.
General Resources applicable to every chapter
IRISS – Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services; browse the IRISS Learning Exchange resources
Research in Practice The site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with children, young people and families. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
Research in Practice for Adults This site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with adults and carers. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
SCIE – Social Care Institute for Excellence Browse SCIE’s Social Care TV series for useful videos to inform aspects of practice
Also see:
SCIE’s Knowledge Reviews which draw on practice and research findings
A general list of all SCIE resources can be accessed via
Agency resources When you are on placement find out if the organisation you are working with has a subscription to information hubs such as,
Community Care Inform (corporate subscription only) or
Care Knowledge (individual subscription available).
Developing your own learning
There are a range of free courses available on web platforms, many of which support aspects of your learning in the topics covered by Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition.
For example, see the free course catalogue on the Open University’s Open Learn platform and have a look at the short courses available under the tabs for Health, Sports and Psychology; Education and Development and Society, Politics and Law.
Or the ALISON website course subject list
Or explore the Future Learn website and look at courses under the Health and Psychology, Law and Politics and The Modern World categories.
Chapter 23: Narrative therapy
Dulwich Centre The Dulwich Centre is an independent centre in Adelaide, Australia involved in narrative approaches to therapy and community work. This website includes a wide range of relevant resources, some of which are noted below:
Dulwich Centre (2016) What is Narrative Therapy? Adelaide: Dulwich Centre.
The website also contains a narrative therapy library where there are some free downloads, including, a further article by Alice Morgan and a book by David Epston. These can be accessed via http://www.narrativetherapylibrary.com/free-downloads.html
Lastly, the Dulwich Centre has a free introductory course on narrative practice, which includes links to further reading and video materials. You can access the resource at http://dulwichcentre.com.au/courses/what-is-narrative-practice-a-free-course/
The following news article by Sheena Hastings (2010) illustrates the difference that can be achieved when caregivers have a clearer sense of the person whom they are supporting: this can make: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/analysis/the-journal-of-memories-that-brought-leo-s-life-story-back-from-the-shadows-1-2561476
Life story work
Also have a look at the Life Story Book template available on the website of Dementia UK at
Living library
The Narrative Approaches website is a collaboration between David Epston and two practising therapists. The site contains some useful material and downloads.
For an interesting TEDTalk about writing therapy in the context of mental health see the video by Anastasia Bow-Bertrand