22 August 2024 Approach Social Work

Nabila’s journey into social work

From a young age Nabila demonstrated a desire to help others. Nabila provides insight into her daily experiences as an Approach Social Work participant

Nabila, a recent graduate with a degree in psychology, comes from a rich multicultural background, ethnically Bangladeshi but born and raised in Germany. From a young age Nabila demonstrated a desire to help others, which led her to work part-time jobs in the social care sector. Nabila provides insight into her daily experiences as an Approach Social Work participant, and how the programme is reinforcing her commitment to making a meaningful impact in social work.

My morning routine

I typically start my mornings with a fresh cup of coffee and pancakes made by my lovely mum. I then kick off the day with some e-learning, which is always engaging and informative, setting a productive tone for the day. This week, I delved into topics such as trauma and neglect, learning how to work effectively in a multi-disciplinary team.

Putting what I’ve learnt into action

Through these lessons, I realised that social work is not just about an individual effort rather a whole team working together for a child’s wellbeing. It’s crucial to share information with other professionals and collaborate to cover all bases that might otherwise be missed. This has encouraged me to be more comfortable speaking up in group settings and to share my expertise. 

Putting what I’ve learned into action, one of our activities required us to do a role play where one acted as a social worker and the other as a parent. I played the social worker, which was challenging, as it required me to lead the conversation, speak confidently and advocate effectively for the parent. This activity explores the importance of collaborating with parents through conversation, rather than simply imposing solutions as professionals. I found myself stuttering and feeling embarrassed when I didn’t know what to say next. However, my colleagues were all really kind enough to provide feedback and share their own experiences, reassuring me that I wasn’t alone and that we’re all on the same journey.

Navigating challenges with collaboration

The collaborative efforts and support systems in place have been exceptionally valuable. Working with other participants in my hub and meeting a few practice tutors, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by a supportive community. One challenge I encountered was not fully understanding some of the concepts at first. Thankfully, this supportive environment was instrumental in explaining things to me, which made the learning process much smoother. Additionally, the practice tutors were helpful, answering questions and respecting my need for anonymity. This support has really shown me how crucial teamwork and guidance are when navigating challenges in social work.

End of week reflections

As I wrap up the first few weeks of intensive training, I feel a mix of surreal excitement and anticipation. What I’ve learnt and experienced so far has reinforced my motivations for becoming a social worker, particularly my desire to make a positive impact in the lives of children. In reflection, I am grateful for the skills and insights I have gained, and I look forward to continuing this journey with a strong sense of purpose.