Social Work Spotlight

In this episode I speak with Marta, who beyond being someone who is deeply passionate about people, considers herself a nonconformist; someone who strives every day to make a difference. Marta holds a degree in Social Work and a Master’s in Social Work, with a focus on Chronic Kidney Disease and its impact on patients and their families. Marta is also a couple and family therapist and the mother of four daughters.

Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:
Marta’s Diaverum profile - https://www.diaverum.pt/en/diaverum-portugal/diaverum-in-portugal/management-team/marta-olim/

Marta’s publications - https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Marta-Olim

Marta’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marta-freitas-olim-52521ab6/

Testimonials from Diaverum’s project for caregivers (‘We, Families’) - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wv1_B7AKp1EHcpt7vIwVh90BEi9IbebH/view?usp=sharing

This episode's transcript can be viewed here: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/18lxc6Tt-UX1MpEcWZBM4QSMxVTWhAixvEmck1BCI2dg/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Jelena, a Social Welfare and Criminalistics Expert from Bosnia and Herzegovina with over 13 years of experience in the public sector, international organisations, and civil society. Her work focuses on research, advancing social policy, protecting the rights of vulnerable groups, evaluating programs, and supporting the European integration process. Jelena has collaborated with UNICEF, the EU, and various government institutions and is the author and co-author of more than 39 scientific and professional publications in social work, criminalistics, and human rights. Currently, she works as an independent freelance consultant dedicated to leading transformative social change by connecting diverse sectors and driving innovative, evidence-based solutions for a fairer and more equitable society.

Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:
Jelena’s LinkedIn profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jelena-kupresanin/

Jelena’s scientific contributions on Research Gate - https://www.researchgate.net/scientific-contributions/Jelena-Kupresanin-2089961619

Jelena’s article titled “Social Work in Educational System of the Balkans - Is Social Worker Needed in Schools?“ - https://econpapers.repec.org/article/apaijhass/2018_3ap_3a245-252.htm

UNICEF’s work in Bosnia and Herzegovina - https://www.unicef.org/bih/en

This episode's transcript can be viewed here: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/17tBnGNmgsGqWq8Szjfm3A3ETk9XkUUzrWCDFBU4aXhg/edit?usp=sharing

In this episode I speak with Sam, a forensic mental health social worker based in a specialist community mental health team in South London, tailored to work with forensic mental health patients, who have additional needs in the context of intellectual disability and/or neurodevelopmental disorders. Prior to this, he was based with an outreach focused mental health team working with people rough sleeping.

Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:
News article about the Homeless Outreach Team, featuring Fran Busby - https://lhf.org.uk/press-release-south-london-and-maudsley-homeless-outreach-team-a-winner-in-london-homelessness-awards-2023/

Forensic Intellectual and Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (FIND) community team - https://www.autism.org.uk/autism-services-directory/f/find-community-team

Witches film by Elizabeth Sankey (trailer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qwx5350Bj8

Notes on the Mind podcast episode with Rai Waddingham - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/notesonthemind/episodes/Episode-Two---Rai-e13is75/a-a60ohoh

This episode's transcript can be viewed here: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12GeL7BX6Bx9QH3j90QEdRXDr_c3j6fLa3MMByhmhWdA/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Nur, currently serving at a Government Hospital in Malaysia, working closely with patients and families, especially in cases involving child protection, sexual health awareness, emotional trauma, and family dynamics. Her practice centers on compassionate support, building safe spaces, and empowering individuals to navigate challenging life experiences with dignity.

Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:
Malaysian Association of Social Workers - https://www.masw.org.my/

Malaysian Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development - https://www.kpwkm.gov.my/

Amanah Raya financial trustee and legal support service - https://www.amanahraya.my/

This episode's transcript can be viewed here: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/16r_q9kULoZMk7flfU0dXUSjFNyptP-zMB2r9WKTEVeE/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.

In this episode I speak with Francine and Nadrah in Singapore. Francine worked as a PE teacher in Singapore before moving to Australia to study social work at age 40. She worked in many major Australian cities and particularly loved Darwin where she predominantly supported Aboriginal communities in the renal sector, before returning to Singapore to support her elderly parents in 2021. After 8 years of sirens and split-second saves as a paramedic, Nadrah recently swapped her stethoscope for a listening ear. Nadrah has made a mid-career switch into social work to guide others with the right support and services, with no flashing lights required, just a steady supply of coffee.

Links to resources mentioned in this week’s episode:
Mental Health Academy - https://www.mentalhealthacademy.com.au/

ComCare support scheme - https://supportgowhere.life.gov.sg/schemes/COMCARE-SMTA/comcare-short-to-medium-term-assistance-smta

This episode's transcript can be viewed here: 
https://docs.google.com/document/d/14MbqVmLglx_rw65L2HFVS7VkBbEsedHEedc7bpNuATg/edit?usp=sharing

Thanks to Kevin Macleod of incompetech.com for our theme music.