How to Survive in Social Work

A powerfully frank look at challenges in social work; this book inspires social workers to collectively work at rebuilding a culture of respect for the profession notwithstanding neoliberalism and transactional managerialism. – Professor Kate van Heugten, University of Canterbury, New ZealandHopeful, realistic and systemic. This wonderfully accessible book invites the social work profession at both micro and macro levels to reflect on what is needed for us to continue doing the work we love, for those we serve. – Nadia, Fran and Eugene, The Social Matters podcastI believe I speak for many social workers when I say that this book is hugely welcome and very relatable. Social work is a career like no other, highly rewarding but extremely tasking, emotionally draining, and complex. There is an automatic response to gravitate towards survival as opposed to thriving mode. I particularly loved the use of the words “Scratch” and “Beyond” to give great insights on how to survive and thrive in social work. This book provides robust enlightenment on managing stress in social work and is a must read for all social work practitioners, managers, and leaders. – Vivian Okeze – Tirado – England Social Worker of the Year & Social Justice Advocate Gold winner 2021.

Neil has 45 years of experience in the caring professions as a practitioner, manager, educator, writer and adviser. He has won awards for his work, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from BASW Cymru. He is renowned for his ability to express complex ideas clearly without oversimplifying them and for making theory relevant to practice.

John McGowan MSc, BA, BSc, DipSW, FRSA is a social worker, lecturer, and the General Secretary of the Social Workers’ Union. He has 25 years of experience as a social worker in the field of Children and Families, Fostering and Adoption and as a training officer and practice teacher. John’s experiences with social work started with his parents, who were active foster carers in Edinburgh and fostered over 100 children.