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 8: Communication and ICT
IRISS Case Studies
Empowering vulnerable children and their parents using Talking Mats
IRISS Multimedia Materials
Communication and practice learning
IRISS Reports ‘Social media in the social services’
IRISS video – Building your own personal learning network
SCIE E-learning resources may be of interest. Depending on which jurisdiction of the UK you are studying/working in please be aware that sometimes the stated legislation and policy may not apply to your jurisdiction.
Managing knowledge to improve social care
Talking Mats The link will take you to information about the use of talking mats in social work.
The following resources will help to develop your understanding of total communication approaches:
Care Services Improvement Partnership (undated) Total Communication. Cheshire: HAS Press. Available at: http://www.brightpart.org/documents/communicate/tcminibook.pdf
East Sussex Total Communication Partnership (undated). Total Communication Resource Pack – version 1. East Sussex: ESTCP. Available at: https://www.eastsussex.gov.uk/media/3428/totalcommunicationresourcepackopt.pdf