Final thoughts
All people participating in the inaugural Charles Sturt University Social Work Theory and Practice 3 Canberra-specific group work intensive enjoyed the five-day workshop. We all benefited from the learning and believe that the training improved our social work group’s skills. It nurtured our ability to make connections between group work theory and practice. Most of us have already started integrating our new knowledge into our existing practice, careers and workplaces. We are keen to share these ideas with our colleagues.
Perceptions about the intensive: How it is being translated and its influence and impact
We, the people studying, thank colleagues in the School of Social Work and Arts for the opportunity to undertake an intensive in Canberra and for their support. We have started translating the skills and knowledge into our practice and/or workplaces, as shown by the following quotes.
Abiola Emmanuel: I am passionate about group work, which I actively incorporate in my current role. This Canberra workshop introduced new ideas and knowledge, enhancing my skills in trauma-informed care and therapy programs. These insights enrich my professional toolbox, enabling me to better support mental health recovery and facilitate effective group therapy sessions. Thank you to our lecturer and contributors of this anthology for their invaluable contributions.
Delphin Gil Jerly Gilbert: Thank you for the enriching experience provided by the intensive school in Canberra. The group work activities have been invaluable, offering new insights and knowledge that I can seamlessly integrate into my community welfare practice. This experience has significantly enhanced my practical skills, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge in a safe and supportive environment. The knowledge gained has been instrumental in advancing both my professional and personal development, equipping me with tools to better serve my community. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the teachers at Charles Sturt Uni for their guidance and support.
Jaspreet Ganda: The valuable experience that I gained during the group work intensives has given me a fresh insight and knowledge that I can incorporate into my practice. The insights gained have significantly advanced both my professional and personal growth, equipping me with the tools to better serve my community. I am deeply grateful to the teachers at Charles Sturt Uni for their unwavering guidance and support throughout this enriching journey.
Chima Ihesiulor: This experience gave me the opportunity to incorporate theoretical knowledge into my practice. I do group work on a daily basis in my workplace – because intensive therapeutic care is a team-based approach of care that involves collaboration amongst team members as well as external agencies, putting the young person at the centre of the decision making.
Cáitleen Moloney: The group work intensive has taught me that practice doesn’t make perfect – instead, it cultivates adaptability and continuous learning. These foundational qualities will enhance my capacity to practice effectively in social work. I have truly gained confidence in my ability to facilitate in different contexts, a growth I credit to everyone involved in the Canberra experience.
Tyne Smedley: I have gained an appreciation for the transformative potential of group work, and will be taking a new sense of passion and enthusiasm for it into my practice. Group work can be simple, fun and effective! Thank you all for being so generous with your insights, experiences and encouragement.
