My Social Work Placements

Let's be honest, when I was first informed about my first placement at a prison leavers hub, my brain went into overdrive picturing scenes straight out of a prison-themed movie!

Internet searches? Not exactly helpful.

But I was curious and persuaded at the interview to peep inside and the reality was far more heartwarming.

The people there, both clients and colleagues, were phenomenal.

We tackled challenges together, forming a bond stronger than duct tape!

Placement number two? Buckle up!

It was a statutory setting, which basically means everything was done by the book – policies thicker than a phone book and legalese that would make a lawyer's head spin.

Talk about a reality check! But hey, it was a fantastic learning experience, a confidence booster shot straight into my social work arm.

These placements were like yin and yang for my social work journey.

One, a vibrant non-profit, the other, a structured powerhouse.

Both taught me invaluable lessons:

· Conquering Comfort Zones: Facing those fears made me a braver, stronger social worker in training.

· Embrace the Variety: Now I'm ready to tackle any situation, even if it involves explaining complex policies while juggling flaming chainsaws.

· The Power of Connection: Social work is all about relationships, and let me tell you, I made some amazing connections at both placements and we supported each other through thick and thin.

· From Theory to Reality: Textbooks are great, but there's nothing like getting your hands dirty in the real world of social work. These placements were like social work bootcamp, prepping me for the challenges and rewards ahead.

· Building Resilience: Let's face it, social work can be tough. But these placements showed me my inner strength. I emerged feeling confident, ready to take on the world and ready to help those who need it most.

So, there you have it! My social work placements: a whirlwind of emotions, lessons learned, and fantastic people!