Sexuality in Social UK Interest Group

Description

ABOUT THE SEXUALITY IN SOCIAL WORK SYMPOSIUM Since its inception in June 2004, this UK-wide group has gained over hundred email members from education and practice settings and has developed a strong basis for generating new knowledge and practice innovations in the field of sexuality studies and social work. During this time, the group has successfully raised awareness of the relevance of sexuality issues as critical to social work knowledge, and to service users and carers’ everyday lives through hosting events (conferences at London South Bank University in 2006 and Salford University in 2007) and publishing peer-reviewed articles and, more recently, hosting special issues on Sexuality in Social Work Education (2008) and Practice: Social Work in Action (2009). The group has also played an important function in giving members the opportunity to flag issues relating to anti-oppressive practice, such as challenging homophobia in practice and in higher education, and campaigning for equality issues. Most recent activity - We held our 4th UK Symposium at Glasgow Caledonian University 1st September 2011. The symposium was attended by 22 delegates including social work practitioners from Scotland and England and social work educators from HEI programmes in Scotland, England and Wales. This is the fourth event hosted by the Interest Group and this year we focussed on the recent implementation of the Equality Act 2010 and its implications for social work practice, policy and education. Our event was opened by a welcome address from Professor Sue Scott, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Glasgow Caledonian University and distinguished sociologist in gender and sexuality studies. The programme consisted of five paper presentations and two workshops that spanned a variety of topics including lesbian and gay fostering, social care needs of LGBT carers, accessing mental health services for LGB consumers, anti-oppressive approaches to working with young sexual offenders and developing more sexually inclusive social work programmes. At our planning meeting, it was decided to make this an annual event to help build interest within this topic area; we plan to host a similar 1-day event next year at a HEI venue in central England.