National Children and Adult Services (NCASC) conference and exhibition
Manchester Central 14-16 November 2018
#NCASC18 is almost upon us and I’m really looking forward to sharing, discussing and debating the important contribution modern social work continues to make across the health and care sector.
I’ll be celebrating our profession’s growing influence as a trusted voice and advocate for the most vulnerable in society, including those living with mental health, autism and learning disabilities.
However, I want to go further and demonstrate that our knowledge and expertise is of value beyond these groups too.
For our practice to be truly effective, it must serve the varied needs of our diversifying communities. it must be rooted in solid evidence, best practice and be reflective of the needs, hopes and fears of those we want to help.
That’s why I commissioned health and care research experts, the James Lind Alliance (JLA), to establish the priorities on which modern social work needs to focus.
Their report is a world first for this kind of social work research and we’ll be revealing the fruits of their labours at conference on Thursday 15 November (details of this and other sessions below).
Social workers attending will also have plenty to say I’m sure on this year’s other big ticket items, including how we improve support for the care and support workforce and making the case for prevention.
In both cases, our uniquely positioned role places us closest to those needing help, but also keeps us connected to statutory and informal support networks. Not only can we spot the warning signs in those needing help, these early interventions can help relieve pressure on health and care professionals, volunteers and unpaid carers.
In this respect, social work bridges the divide and makes a vital contribution towards our ultimate goal – safer, healthier, happier lives for everyone.
Join me and my valued colleagues at any - or all - of the sessions listed below for what I believe will be lively, focused and positive debates. I look forward to seeing you there!
This year’s social work and DHSC related events
Wednesday 14 November
11.30 - 12.00pm The Knowledge and Skills Statement for Adult Social Work Supervisors
3.15 - 3.45pm Named Social Worker findings
Thursday 15 November
10.00 - 10.30am The James Lind Alliance priorities for research and another chance to learn more about the Named Social Worker findings with Chloe Grahame from the Innovation Unit
10.45 - 11.30am Caroline Dinenage, Minister for Care, Plenary 2
11.30 - 12.30pm Strengths based practice - Lyn Romeo chairing, TW8
11.30 - 12.30pm The role of local government in community mental health care - Mark Trewin (NHE and DHSC Mental Health in Social Care advisor) is on the panel, TW7
12.30 - 1.30pm How the Government continues to support carers
3.15 – 3.45pm The Government’s Loneliness Strategy and Strengths based Practice Framework
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