Celebration as industry first book launched

Date: Wednesday 26th July, 2023

A book heralded “a momentous milestone for the field of social work in Wales” was celebrated at a special launch event at Wrexham University.  

Social Work in Wales, which was published last month by Bristol Policy Press, is the first text to offer an in-depth focus on the unique nature of Welsh social work practice. 

Social Workers and the book contributors from across Wales – including many from Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University, who lecture on the university’s Social Work, Youth and Community and Criminology and Criminal Justice programmes  – came together to mark the publication of the book at a celebratory event.

Edited by Wulf Livingston, Professor of Alcohol Studies at Wrexham University; Jo Redcliffe, Swansea University; and University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, USA and Abyd Quinn Aziz, Cardiff University, the book features contributions from Wrexham University lecturers including chapters from Dr Tegan Brierley-Sollis; Hayley Douglas; Helena Barlow, Liz Lefroy, Miriam Ennis – former Wrexham University lecturer – as well as a chapter contribution from PhD student Tim Versey and Professor Livingston.  

The book also includes a chapter written by Sarah Buckley, Graham Attenborough, Hope Lawrence, Tim Wynn, Jenny Burgess, Eluned Plack, Anna-Louise Edwards, Rhiana Povey and Sandra Williams, all of whom are members of the university’s carer and user involvement group: Outside In. 

Pictured are contributors from Prifysgol Wrecsam/Wrexham University.

The foreword for the book was written by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, whose background is in social work, probation and youth justice. 

While, Eluned Plack also designed the vibrant book cover, which emulated a patchwork quilt, dubbed the ‘Quilt of Life’ to represent the vast range of human emotions.  

Professor Livingston – a Social Worker by background – said the launch of the book was a “proud day” for all involved.

“I’m absolutely delighted that we have officially launched Social Work in Wales – the first book of its kind to exclusively place an important emphasis on social work in Wales,” he said. 

“I’m enormously proud of how the book came to be – and in particular, take enormous pride in the fact that this book brings together vital contributions from academics, practitioners, service users, their families and carers, as well as students. There’s a superb mix of professional knowledge but also, just as importantly – lived experience. 

“This book is a momentous milestone for the field of social work in Wales – as it’s core readership will largely be students – our Social Workers of the future. 

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our wonderful book contributors – a total of 49 to be exact, which is just fantastic. It’s been a tremendously positive journey.” 

Dr Caroline Hughes, Associate Dean of Student Engagement at the university, added: “I’d like to congratulate every single person involved in making this book happen – it’s a first for the field in Wales, and what is extremely pleasing is the fact that collaboration and co-production is absolutely at the core of it.  

 “This book is essential reading for anyone working – or looking to work – in the field in Wales – it’s informative and fascinating in equal measure. It’s a text to be proud of.”