SEARCH RESULTS

When I first joined the Social Work program at Flinders University, I quickly realised that the learning experience extends far beyond lectures and textbooks. One of the best ways to enrich our academic journey is by getting involved in the activities organised by the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA). These activities are designed to support us socially, academically, and professionally, creating a vibrant community where we can thrive together. Whether you’re new to the campus or a seasoned student, there’s always something happening at Bedford Park Campus that can help you connect, learn, and grow. Let me take you through some of the exciting opportunities and events that FUSWA offers right here on campus. Discovering fuswa campus activities at Bedford Park FUSWA is more than just a student group; it’s a hub for all Social Work students at Flinders University. The association organises a variety of activities that cater to different interests and needs. From workshops and guest lectures to social events and volunteering opportunities, there’s something for everyone. One of the highlights is the regular skill-building workshops . These sessions cover practical topics like resume writing, interview techniques, and self-care strategies tailored specifically for social work students. They’re a fantastic way to prepare for the workforce while also connecting with peers who share your passion. Another popular activity is the peer support groups . These groups provide a safe space to discuss challenges, share experiences, and offer encouragement. It’s comforting to know you’re not alone in this journey, and these sessions often lead to lasting friendships. FUSWA also hosts networking events where students can meet professionals from the social work field. These events open doors to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities. Plus, they give you a chance to ask questions and gain insights from those already working in the industry. Relaxing outdoor spaces at Bedford Park Campus where students gather between activities How to get involved with fuswa campus activities Getting involved with FUSWA activities at Bedford Park Campus is straightforward and welcoming. You don’t need to be an expert or have prior experience—just a willingness to participate and learn. Here’s how you can start: Join the FUSWA mailing list : This is the best way to stay updated on upcoming events and opportunities. You’ll receive regular emails with details about workshops, social gatherings, and volunteer calls. Follow FUSWA on social media : They post event reminders, student spotlights, and useful resources. It’s a great way to engage with the community online. Attend the orientation events : At the beginning of each semester, FUSWA hosts welcome sessions where you can meet the committee members and fellow students. Volunteer for events : Helping out at FUSWA activities is a fantastic way to build your skills and meet new people. Plus, it looks great on your CV! Suggest new ideas : FUSWA values student input. If you have an idea for a workshop or social event, don’t hesitate to share it. By taking these steps, you’ll quickly feel part of the supportive network that FUSWA fosters at Bedford Park. Can you park at Bedford Park? If you’re planning to attend FUSWA activities or classes at Bedford Park Campus, you might be wondering about parking options. The good news is that Bedford Park offers several parking facilities for students and visitors. There are multiple car parks around the campus, including both free and paid options. Early arrival is recommended, especially during peak times, to secure a spot close to your destination. Some parking areas require a permit, so it’s worth checking the university’s parking guidelines before you come. For those who prefer sustainable travel, there are also bike racks and public transport options nearby. Taking the bus or cycling can be a stress-free way to get to campus while reducing your environmental footprint. If you’re attending a specific FUSWA event, sometimes the association provides information about the best parking spots or alternative transport options in their event announcements. Keep an eye out for those details to make your visit as smooth as possible. High angle view of the main parking lot at Bedford Park Campus Volunteering and community engagement through FUSWA One of the most rewarding aspects of being part of FUSWA is the chance to engage with the wider community. Volunteering is a core part of social work values, and FUSWA offers plenty of opportunities to get involved. Throughout the year, FUSWA organises community outreach programs, charity drives, and awareness campaigns. These activities not only help those in need but also give us practical experience in organising and participating in social initiatives. For example, last semester, FUSWA coordinated a food drive to support local shelters. Many students volunteered to collect donations, sort items, and distribute them. It was inspiring to see how much we could achieve together. Volunteering with FUSWA also helps build your professional network. You’ll meet community leaders, social workers, and other students who share your commitment to making a difference. If you’re interested in volunteering, keep an eye on the FUSWA calendar and sign up early. These activities often fill up quickly, and they’re a fantastic way to apply what you’re learning in class to real-world situations. Close-up of donation boxes used in a FUSWA community food drive Making the most of your time at Bedford Park with FUSWA Balancing study, social life, and self-care can be challenging, but FUSWA activities at Bedford Park Campus are designed to support you in all these areas. By participating, you’ll not only enhance your academic experience but also build friendships and professional connections that last beyond university. Here are some tips to make the most of your involvement: Plan ahead : Check the FUSWA event calendar regularly and mark dates in your planner. Be open : Try new activities even if they’re outside your comfort zone. You might discover new interests or skills. Connect : Use events as an opportunity to meet people from different year levels and backgrounds. Reflect : After each activity, take a moment to think about what you learned and how it applies to your studies and future career. Give back : Consider volunteering or helping organise events to deepen your engagement. Remember, FUSWA is here to help you succeed and feel supported throughout your social work journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the committee if you have questions or need advice. For more information about the association and upcoming activities, visit the fuswa bedford park website. It’s a fantastic resource to stay connected and informed. Getting involved with FUSWA at Bedford Park Campus truly enriches the social work student experience. From skill-building workshops to community volunteering, these activities offer practical benefits and a sense of belonging. I encourage you to dive in, explore what’s on offer, and make the most of your time here. Together, we can build a supportive, vibrant community that empowers us all to succeed.

Starting university is an exciting chapter, but it can also feel overwhelming. Between lectures, assignments, and new social circles, it’s easy to feel lost or disconnected. That’s where student associations come in. They’re not just clubs or groups; they’re vibrant communities that can transform your university experience. From building friendships to boosting your career, student associations offer a wealth of benefits that make university life richer and more rewarding. Why Student Associations Matter: Student Association Benefits Joining a student association is one of the best decisions you can make during your university years. These groups are designed to support students academically, socially, and professionally. Here’s why they matter: Community and Belonging : University can sometimes feel like a big, impersonal place. Student associations create a smaller, welcoming community where you can find friends who share your interests and values. Skill Development : Beyond textbooks, associations offer opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and organisational skills. These are invaluable for your future career. Academic Support : Many associations organise study groups, workshops, and guest lectures that complement your coursework. Networking : They connect you with peers, alumni, and professionals, opening doors to internships, jobs, and mentorship. Advocacy and Representation : Associations often represent student voices in university decisions, ensuring your concerns and needs are heard. For example, the flinders university student association plays a crucial role in supporting Social Work students by providing resources, events, and a platform to connect with others in the field. How Student Associations Enhance Academic and Social Life Balancing study and social life is a challenge, but student associations make it easier and more enjoyable. Here’s how they enhance both: Academic Support and Resources Student associations often organise: Study groups where you can collaborate and clarify difficult topics. Workshops on research methods, writing skills, or exam preparation. Guest speakers from the industry or academia who provide insights beyond the classroom. Access to resources like textbooks, software, or databases. These activities help you stay on top of your studies and deepen your understanding of your field. Social Events and Networking University isn’t just about studying. It’s also about building friendships and professional networks. Associations host: Social gatherings like BBQs, movie nights, or cultural celebrations. Professional networking events where you can meet potential employers or mentors. Volunteering opportunities that allow you to give back and gain practical experience. These events create a sense of belonging and help you build connections that last beyond university. Practical Ways to Get Involved and Make the Most of Your Association Getting involved in a student association might feel intimidating at first, but it’s easier than you think. Here are some practical tips to help you dive in: Attend Orientation Events : These are designed to introduce you to the association and its members. Join Committees or Clubs : Start small by joining a committee or club that interests you. It’s a great way to meet people and contribute. Volunteer for Events : Helping organise events is a fantastic way to develop skills and feel part of the community. Use Online Platforms : Many associations have social media groups or forums where you can stay updated and connect virtually. Ask Questions : Don’t hesitate to reach out to current members or leaders. They’re usually very welcoming and happy to help. By taking these steps, you’ll quickly find your place and start reaping the benefits. Building Confidence and Leadership Through Association Involvement One of the most rewarding aspects of joining a student association is the chance to build confidence and leadership skills. Here’s how involvement helps: Taking on Roles : Whether it’s organising an event or managing communications, leadership roles challenge you to step up. Public Speaking : Presenting ideas or leading meetings improves your communication skills. Problem Solving : Handling unexpected issues during events teaches resilience and adaptability. Teamwork : Working with diverse groups helps you understand different perspectives and collaborate effectively. These experiences are not only fulfilling but also highly valued by employers. They show you can take initiative and work well with others. Why Social Work Students Should Engage with Their Student Association For Social Work students, being part of a student association is especially beneficial. Social Work is a field that thrives on connection, empathy, and community engagement. Here’s why involvement matters: Peer Support : Social Work studies can be emotionally demanding. Associations provide a safe space to share experiences and support each other. Professional Development : Associations often organise workshops on topics like ethics, advocacy, and field placements. Community Engagement : Many associations partner with local organisations, giving you hands-on experience and a chance to make a difference. Career Opportunities : Networking events and alumni connections can help you find internships and jobs in the social work sector. If you’re studying Social Work at Flinders University, the flinders university student association is a fantastic resource to tap into for all these benefits and more. Embracing the Full University Experience Together University is more than just lectures and exams. It’s a time to grow, explore, and connect. Student associations are the heart of this experience. They empower us to learn beyond the classroom, build lasting friendships, and prepare for our future careers. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to explore what your student association offers. Attend an event, join a committee, or simply reach out to meet new people. You’ll find that being part of a student association doesn’t just enhance your university life - it transforms it. Remember, we’re all in this together, and the support and opportunities that come from student associations can make all the difference. flinders university student association

Student Membership Exclusive Benefits for Social Work Students "We know how challenging it can be to manage expenses while studying, and that’s why we provide a special membership discount for social work students, offering quality support and resources for just 15 cents a day." (AASW)

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

Welcome to the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) Student Study Blogs and Student Forums. (Rules & Warnings - Read and Adhere to) We are just beginning our journey in providing students what we feel is high quality, valuable information to assist them towards academic improvement, and hopefully help all BSW & MSW students discover some great skills along the way. RULES & WARNINGS To leave a comment on any post, you MUST signup using your FAN (student email). Any Member found using an email that does not contain @flinders.edu.au will be removed. Be Respectful when Commenting. No Inappropriate Language. No Spamming. No Pornographic/Adult/other NSFW Material. No Advertisements. No Offensive Content. No Direct & Indirect Threats. Any 'comment' not adhering to the Flinders Academic Integrity Policy, or goes against the above set of Rules, will be removed, and members may find themselves banned indefinitely. By commenting on the FUSWA Student Study Blog (including all future posts), and posting on the Student Forum, you automatically accept and adhere to the Rules above, and will be responsible for your own actions, including any consequences that come from those actions. Let's keep this fair, respectful and on point to the purpose of these tools. Thank you. The FUSWA Team Subscribe to follow the journey.

Congratulations on becoming a Social Work Student at Flinders University! The first year at Flinders can bring with it a mix of emotions. The excitement and jubilation of receiving your confirmation, knowing that you have been accepted as a university student, is often followed by the daunting reality that there is so much to do, before you even start your first lecture. It's usually at this point, many new students at the beginning of their academic journey can become overwhelmed. First year students may even start freaking out with the feeling that they have so much to do, have absolutely no idea what needs to be done, or even where to start. Whilst others may believe they are across everything, only to find a few weeks into the semester that they've missed something, only to find themselves in catch-up mode. Either way, as a student of Flinders University, you are not alone and you'll soon discover that 2nd, 3rd and even 4th year students can sometimes feel the same way at the beginning of a new year, as you do right now. But.....it's not all that scary! You will soon discover that university brings with it a whole world of support, be it from the College (including staff), your FUSWA Team, FUSA, or the student community (your peers). As a new student (or even if you are a returning student who just needs some guidance), we have put together a few things below to aid you in your academic journey. CEPSW Firstly, the best place to start is to reach out to the College of Education, Psychology and Social Work (CEPSW) and chat with the enrollments team about Study Plans. Study Plans are the road map to topics and what direction to take should you need to change you course structure, or just know what you need to do each semester. We highly recommend students send through an email at the end of each semester to get their Study Plan updated. Reach out to CEPSW and organise a meeting in person, or over the phone. They will be able to answer the majority of your questions and provide amazing support throughout your academic journey. CEPSW contact information - Email: ​courseadvice.epsw@flinders.edu.au ​Telephone: (08) 8201 7800 FUSWA Reach out to the Flinders University Social Work Association (FUSWA) and ask for help. The FUSWA Team are made up of students at different stages of their degree, and pathways (BSW & MSW), and have been exactly where you are right now. Connect with FUSWA - fuswa.team@gmail.com O'WEEK Come along to O'Week and make sure you visit the various stalls, and events. This fun week, starting at the beginning of every semester, provides you an opportunity to meet other students, the FUSWA Team, and attend events that give you a great kick start to your year. O'Week @ Flinders FUSA The Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) provides a range of support to all students. The Committee, made up of students from different disciplines, are always on hand to help. Connect with FUSWA STUDENT SOCIAL MEDIA You have a range of Facebook Pages, Messenger and Chats to join that can help you connect with other Social Work Students. FUSWA Facebook Page Flinders University Social Work Students Join the Social Work Students Messenger Community Chat Masters of Social Work at Flinders External Students BSW Online Discussion Forum Overheard At Flinders University FUSA Flinders University Student Association If you discover other things that help you, let the FUSWA Team know and we can include them on this Blog. But for now, we hope this helps, and you have an awesome experience at Flinders! The FUSWA Team

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)

We thought the best way to start the ball rolling was to include the range of Study Support Options available directly from Flinders. The information below is all available from the Student Support page located on https://students.flinders.edu.au/support. Brought to you by FUSWA