Louise Rhoades

I was a support worker with individuals with learning disabilities, poor mental health, older people, physical disabilities and neurological disorders.

I had previously considered the social work program offered by the University of Chester but didn’t feel I would get the nurturing and mentoring I got with Wrexham. I chose Wrexham because it was a smaller campus, so we wouldn’t get lost amongst the throng of students. Plus, Wrexham obviously offered the relevant studies to be qualified in Wales which is where I live.

I studied social work, so we covered the obvious topics such as law, safeguarding plus a million and one theories, which surprisingly I actually use. What I think made the difference, was how the subjects were taught. We studied creative practice, which blew our minds. It was such fun and so out of context in the misery and stress associated with social work. But it made sense. I work in a team that isn’t procedural. We don’t have resources and work with people whose needs range from physical disabilities to mental health to neurological divergence to personality disorders. We must be creative to find the individual, to find the thing that resonates with them and enables them to begin to move forward. I love my job and the safe space we enjoyed at Wrexham enabled me to develop my own practice. I’ve sat in A&E, searched cemeteries for family members so someone can plan their death, got people on buses, done couples counselling and even helped with homework. There are some needs that a referral can’t meet, but a creative mindset and a willingness to wing it can. This is what I learnt from my course. Not necessarily thorough the textbooks or lectures, but the extras and sharing of experiences which brought the material to life. We work with people, and inconveniently, they don’t fit into boxes. I know, rude. 

When I started at Wrexham, it was during the tail end of Covid so access to the campus was limited and we did a lot online. By the time we left, the campus was busy and bustling. Everyone’s friendly, chatty and doing their thing. The university has a fabulous tree at Christmas, which is always good.

The class-based sessions were brilliant. As a peer group we were able to share opinions and experiences in a safe space, which brought to life the topics we were studying. Part of the eligibility for the course is a background in a social care setting. Consequently, we were all able to contribute something and learn from each other as well our tutors.

Outside In were an integral part of the course and I think set it apart from other social work courses. As a group they were so generous with their time, experience and openness which you could never replicate in a book, class or online. They were incredibly patient with us. As a source of lived experience, they were invaluable.

The tutors were also very patient, encouraging and never protected us from the realities of the profession. Many of them are experienced social workers and could use their own experiences to illustrate points and help give clarity or guidance.

The tutors were always available for support, academic and pastoral. There are other sources of support accessed through the library and Students’ Union. I felt our cohort were incredibly supportive of each other. We were all mature(ish) students with lives which got in the way of study at times. We all had wobbles, and we all had assignments which made us question our life choices. But there was always someone in class, the corridor, library or WhatsApp who made time to listen and help.

The networks we have been able to build during the three years are so helpful now in practice. The University works closely with three local authorities, which has enabled us as students to tap into their resources, such as Denbighshire’s virtual reality training. Our placements get us familiar with the local authorities, the places we will looking to for employment. To my knowledge, no other social work course has an Outside In which shapes, develops and feeds into the programme. The guest speakers are fascinating. They are experts in their field and passionate about conveying their message, so the next generation of social workers know services and support exist. Our year one placement was a prime example. Due to Covid restrictions, we were unable to go out into services, so our amazing tutors put together a bespoke programme. It was brilliant and I got much much more from different speakers and activities than I would on a 20-day placement. 

Absolutely. You’d be stupid not to. Plus, it’s next door to the football club, so you may see Rob and Ryan. Just saying.