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I don't know about you, but as a social work student, one of the most challenging aspects of BSW has been grappling with the myriad of theories we study. From Systems Theory to Strengths-Based Practice, each framework offers unique insights into human behaviour and social issues. However, the sheer volume of theories can feel overwhelming, especially when considering how they apply to different contexts in the field. Once we graduate, it's crucial to understand that various agencies often prioritise specific theories based on their focus and clientele. For instance, a mental health service might emphasize Trauma-Informed Care, while a community organization might lean towards Empowerment Theory. This variability adds another layer of complexity; we need to adapt our theoretical knowledge to fit the specific needs of our future clients and the philosophies of the organizations we join. Remembering each theory's nuances and applications is essential, but it’s equally important to cultivate a flexible mindset. Engaging in ongoing professional development and staying open to learning will help us navigate the diverse theoretical landscape. Ultimately, our ability to apply these theories effectively will shape our practice and impact the lives of those we serve. Embracing this challenge will empower us to become adaptable and effective social workers. To help towards this, I recently came across a webpage with a range of common theories and practice models used in Social Work. Each of the social work theories outlined on the page, apply to micro, mezzo, and macro practice spheres . " Theories Used in Social Work " by Kasia Kovacs (published on December 02, 2020) , as part of Social Work Guide Staff. Hope you find it as useful as I have whilst I've been on Field Placement. Lucas

I have been on my placement for over two weeks now, and things are starting to fall into place. I am placed in the Aboriginal homelessness/housing crisis sector and spent the first few days trying to understand the policies, legislation and complexity of the housing system. Homelessness is much more than people sleeping rough, it has a background involving trauma, mental health concerns, domestic violence, isolation and at times, policies that largely suit the dominant population in Australia. In many Aboriginal communities, the concept of kinship and family unit is vastly different from the definition of the western family unit. People can come down to visit and stay with each other for months. For e.g. An Aboriginal family coming down from Northern Territory to their relatives in Adelaide during the summer months. This means that Aboriginal people are often at risk of losing their homes, or rentals because of overcrowding. I find this definition to be insensitive and biased against the Aboriginal communities because we have a similar system back in my home country, where a house extends its support to the extended family and community. When we say that colonisation continues to take place in Australia, it is referring to these policies which discriminate against Aboriginal communities. In my observation, I find that these matters are often hidden from the general public, who are still to learn so much more about the Aboriginal way of life. So, when the opportunity came up, I asked my supervisor whether I could attend “Closing the Gap Day” on 16th March 2023. The event was held at the Jubilee Pavilion at Adelaide Showgrounds, a space large enough to accommodate thousands of patrons. When I reached there, I was delighted to see a large number of Aboriginal and Non-Indigenous people waiting in line to experience and support the event. When I went inside, there were hundreds of stalls with infographics, statistics and brochures on health care, aged care, disability, employment, homelessness, youth services etc. Native geckos, snakes and other reptiles were showcased to make the event interesting to a large number of school students. That view instilled hope in me for future generations as they learn more about the land on which they live in. There were also many food stalls and freebies on offer, making it a complete carnival. I would recommend every social work student to attend such events, as it opens our eyes to the scale of work left to be done. For eg., One of the most common issues faced by the Aboriginal community today is the lack of access to adequate dental and eye care. This may sound completely unrelated to the work we do. But the more I learn, the more I find how interconnected so many of the issues are. Links for more information - https://www.facebook.com/closethegapcampaign/ https://closethegap.org.au/close-the-gap-day/ https://www.niaa.gov.au/resource-centre/indigenous-affairs/commonwealth-closing- gap-implementation-plan-2023 Aakaash Chiramal MSW Student @ Flinders University

Inspire Change! Inspire Change is a mentoring program which encourages year 12 first-in family students to explore their next steps after graduation and consider university as a desired option for their future. Flinders is looking for Uni students from Education/Social Work degrees to work 1-on-1 with school students for 1 hour per week, for up to 10 weeks. Mentoring has a huge impact on a school student’s life, giving confidence and motivation for the future. As a mentor, you can inspire those around you to look further into their futures! Flinders offers workshops, financial assistance, campus experiences and mentoring to motivate future study choices. Training is provided! Website: www.flinders.edu.au/inspire Application form: https://form.jotform.com/220870719118861 Email: inspire@flinders.edu.au Phone: +61 82017884 Flinders University College of Education, Psychology & Social Work (BSW & MSW ) *Graphic kindly created and provided by Kerelos Kolta (FPSA Social Media Officer)

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FUSWA Flinders University Social Work Association Office Location Social Sciences South 118 • Developing Inclusion & Promoting Diversity • • Embracing Individual Differences • Building a Student Community Boost Your Career & Join Flinders University Social Work Association Student Support We understand that everyone's journey at Flinders is very different and sometimes you might need a little extra support to achieve your study goals, or simply to manage life in general. Our Student Support pages can help! FIND OUT MORE APPLY TODAY Student Association Want to be part of the Flinders University Social Work 'Academic' Association? By becoming a Council Member , you have an opportunity to help fellow students, represent student voices, boost your career post degree, and make new friends. FIND OUT MORE Site Membership Be it your fist year, entering Placement, or gearing up to graduate and start your career in Social Work, FUSWA is dedicated to help. Signup and become a Site Member to access pages created especially for Flinders Uni Social Work Students. FIND OUT MORE Acknowledgement WHAT IS FUSWA Flinders University Social Workers Association (FUSWA) is a student-run, and student-led Academic Association created for all students embarking on their journey to become emerging Social Workers, and Human Service Practitioners at Flinders. ​ FUSWA aims to provide educational activities, inclusive social events, health and well-being awareness, and social development programs to aid in enriching the academic journey for all Social Work students. ​ Our online (and ever growing) resources are made available to Flinders University students past, present, and future, with the aim to serve up a range of helpful solutions, study guides and industry related information to assist students in their studies, and beyond. ​ We are bound by the three core principles as set out by the Australian Association of Social Workers ( www.aasw.asn.au ); ​ Respect for Persons, Social Justice, and Professio n al Integrity. ​ ​ ​ Statement of Acknowledgement ​ Ninna Marni ​We recognise and acknowledge that Flinders University Social Workers Association (FUSWA) operates on the traditional lands and waters of Kaurna Peoples and pay respects to Elders past, present, and emerging . We acknowledge and respect Aboriginal peoples and nations as the state's first peoples and nations, and we recognise them as traditional owners, and occupants, of South Australian land and waters . ​ Respect ​ We recognise that Aboriginal peoples' spiritual, social, cultural, and economic practises are derived from their traditional lands and waters, that they maintain cultural and heritage beliefs, languages, and laws that are still relevant today, and that they have made, and continue to make, a unique and irreplaceable contribution to the state. We recognise that Aboriginal peoples have faced injustice and dispossession of their traditional lands and waters in the past. We acknowledge the deep feelings of attachment and relationship of the Kaurna people to country, and we respect and value their past, present, and ongoing connection to the land and cultural beliefs. ​ Flinders University Social Workers Asso ciation Commitment. We are committed to truth-telling about the history of social work education and practice in this State and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and communities to achieve a shared vision for reconciliation. ​ Always was, always will be, Aboriginal land. The Gecko Story Click to Discover Council FUSWA STUDENT COUNCIL To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key. MEET THE TEAM Events & Activities Flinders University Social Work Association DISCOVER PAST EVENTS KEY INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS Field Placement CLICK HERE Student Toolbox CLICK HERE Student Forums CLICK HERE Study Blogs CLICK HERE FLINDERS UNIVERSITY FULL CALENDAR FLINDERS EVENTS FUSA FACEBOOK FUSA EVENTS Messenger Community Chat Discord Server Chat CONNECT - SHARE - CHAT MESSENGER & DISCORD CHATS "The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) is the professional body for social workers in Australia. As well as representing and supporting social workers in their essential work, we set the benchmarks for professional education and practice in social work." Leave us a message and we'll get back to you. Please be mindful that we are Flinders BSW and MSW Students to! We always try to respond to email messages as quickly as we can, but sometimes that 2000+ word essay gets in our way of checking FUSWA emails. ​ If the matter is urgent, please contact our President - fuswa.president@gmail.com ​ FUSWA Run by Students, Led by Students, for Students! First Name Last Name FAN Email Degree Pathway BSW / MSW Write a message SUBMIT Thanks for submitting! We will reply as soon as we can. Follow Us on Facebook Like & Follow the Offical Flinders University Social Work Association Facebook Page.

Mental Health & Well-being Services STUDENT SERVICES Flinders University Contact Need help? Contact Flinders Connect Level 0, Central Library, Bedford Park Campus Tel. 1300 354 633 Lost On Campus App College of Education, Psychology and Social Work Level 4, Room 469, Education Building, Bedford Park EPSWEnquiries@flinders.edu.au Tel. +61 8 8201 7800 ​ > Studying outside Australia? ​ > Support and Services Directory Flinders Support Compass Students' physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs are supported by Oasis, a student community wellbeing centre on the Bedford Park Campus, in order to help them achieve both academically and socially. There are a wide range of support services available at Flinders to help you succeed. Health and wellbeing • Study and learning • Financial support and assistance • Enrolment and course • Admin and technology • Careers and employment • Security • International students • Indigenous students • Higher degree research students HEALTH, COUNSELLING, DISABILITY SERVICES SAFETY & RESPECT ON CAMPUS HOW TO DERIVE MEANING FROM YOUR STUDIES STUDENT HEALTH & WELLBEING THE BIG 5 from MindSpot FLINDERS COUNSELLING SERVICE A great resource for all students to use throughout during their academic journey. This service offers support for both academic and personal issues. Monday to Friday 8:45am - 5:00pm ​ For Urgent Assistance 08 8201 2118 ​ COUNSELLING HEADSPACE This is a service for individuals aged between 12 - 25. ​ This service can be accessed online from 9am-1am online by visiting - ​ ​ Website: HEADSPACE CARER GATEWAY Carer Gateway is a national online and phone service providing great practical information and online resources to support carers. The interactive service finder connects your local support services. Support Offered 24/7. ​ Website: GATEWAY QLIFE This service provides support for members of the LGBTIQ+ community. This service can be accessed from 3pm-12am through phone: 1800 184 527 or online chat. ​ Website: QLIFE OPEN ARMS - VETERANS AND FAMILIES COUNSELLING This military services organisation provides free and confidential, counselling and support for mental health conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance and anger management. They are available 24/7 on 1800 011 046 Website: OPEN ARMS MENTAL HEALTH TRIAGE LINE This service provides information and advice in an emergency or crisis situation. Staffed by trained mental health professionals, they can be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. ​ ​ Teleph one: 13 14 65 ​ ​ Website: TRIAGE PANDA (PERINATAL ANXIETY & DEPRESSION AUSTRALIA) Perinatal is before and after giving birth, this service can be accessed if you are pregnant or have recently given birth. The service provides information, counselling, and referrals, and is staffed by trained volunteers, as well as professional counsellors. ​ Monday - Friday 9:00am - 7:30pm AEST on 1300 726 306 ​ Website: PANDA FLINDERS SUPPORT NETWORK Flinders understands that sometimes the pressures of university and personal life can become difficult to manage, but there are a wide variety of support services available to help you. ​ Discover the range of academic, career, wellbeing, and financial support services available.​ NETWORK BUTTERFLY FOUNDATION This organisation provides support surrounding eating disorders, disordered eating, body image and related issues. You can access this foundation 8am-12am by calling 1800 33 4673 ​ Website: FOUNDATION BLUE KNOT FOUNDATION HELPLINE This service provides help, information, support, or referral for adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse. They are available 9:00am - 5:00pm AEST, every day of the week.​ 1300 657 380 ​ Website: BLUE KNOT LIFELINE They provide 24-hour crisis counselling. Telephone: 13 11 14 ​Text service which runs from 12pm - midnight (AEST) on 0477 13 11 14 ​Online chat service from 7:00pm - midnight (AEST) online. Website:​ LIFELINE ALCOHOL AND DRUG INFORMATION SERVICE ADIS is a confidential telephone counselling, information and referral service for individuals, or anyone concerned about family and friends, students, and health professionals.​ ​ 24/7 Support Offered by calling this number: 1300 13 1340 ​ ​ Website: ADIS REACH OUT PEER SUPPORT FORUM (14 - 25 YEARS) ReachOut provides young people with a place to share their experiences. Their forums aim to reduce isolation, create connections, and help individuals aged 14 - 25 find solutions with the support from a community who have similar lived experiences. Support Offered 24/7.​ Website: REACHOUT HEAD TO HEALTH Head to Health can help you find digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations. ​ Website: HEALTH ASK FLINDERS SELF-SERVICE For the quickest answers, search Flinders frequently asked questions or browse by category. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can submit an enquiry via 'request support'. ​ Central Library, Bedford Park Monday & Tuesday: 9am to 5pm Wednesday: 9.30 to 5pm Thursday & Friday: 9 to 5pm​ ASK FLINDERS MENSLINE AUSTRALIA This service provides support for males. ​ You can access this service 24/7 on 1300 78 99 78 ​or online by visiting - ​ Website: MENSLINE LIVED EXPERIENCE TELEPHONE SUPPORT SERVICE (LETSS) This service connects you with trained individuals who have lived experience. You can access them 5pm - 11.30pm by phone: 1800 013 755 ​or online​. ​ Website: LETSS SUICIDE CALL BACK SERVICE This service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. ​ 1300 659 467 ​ to get in touch. Website: CONNECT SANE AUSTRALIA SANE provides support and education for those with a mental illness so they can lead a better life. ​ They are available Monday - Friday 10:00am - 10:00pm. ​​ Their phone number is ​ 1800 187 263​ ​ ​ Website: SANE MENTAL HEALTH ASSESSMENT AND CRISIS INTERVENTION SERVICE This service is staffed by mental health clinicians 24/7 provides a comprehensive range of advice and support including access to psychiatrists. ​ ​ Call Anytime. ​ Telephone: 13 14 65 ​ Website: HEALTH WOMEN'S INFORMATION SERVICE WIS discuss options and choices relevant to individual situations. They offer support and services for a wide range of situations such as domestic/family violence, sexual assault and safety, financial security, health and wellbeing, relationship, and family advice. ​ Monday-Friday: 8am - 9am.​ 08 8303 0590 or 1800 188 158 ​ ​ Website: WIS PLEASE NOTE: List of Health Providers is current at the time of website development (January 2023). Please inform FUSWA should any provider information change so our Team can update relevant details. Thank you. Need Help? Reach out to FUSWA or Flinders SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER & PRESIDENT These Committee Member positions incorporate all Student Welfare and Well-being activities required by FUSWA. They are the Association’s spokespeople regarding any issues relating to student welfare, whilst providing support and activities in conjunction with Flinders and CEPSW Student Assist. Click Here In Emergency Situations, Please Dial ' 000 ' for Ambulance, Fire or Police Assistance. Safety and Respect on Campus FUSA ‘BE A BETTER HUMAN’ CAMPAIGN Be A Better Human is a student-led campaign focused around consent, sexual harassment and sexual assault, bystander education, respectful relationships and reporting and support options for University students. Read More at FUSA Flinders Complaint Resolution Process Students can request that a specific issue is investigated by following the complaint resolution steps via the Flinders Uni website. Complaints and Appeals Security on Campus Security Officers are available 24-hours a day via the hotline telephones around campus or: Phone: (08) 8201 2880 this number is located on the back of your student / staff ID Email: security@flinders.edu.au Need Emergency Support? If you have an emergency, are concerned that your self or someone else is at risk of critical harm or have experienced sexual harassment or sexual assault; call: 000 for immediate Police, Fire or Ambulance assistance Flinders Security on (08) 8201 2880, this is the central number for all Flinders Campuses in both South Australia and the Northern Territory. On the Bedford Park Campus you can also use one of the 12 security hotlines phones . Read More at Flinders Report an Incident of Sexual Harassment or Sexual Assault Making a report does not initiate a complaint. It is the first step to offer you support and a chance to talk through your options. Read More at Flinders Reporting via Flinders Report Online Harm eSafety helps Australians prevent and deal with harm caused by serious online abuse or illegal and restricted online content. The eSafety Commissioner is Australia’s independent regulator for online safety Home SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS EXPLORE