The UK’s only annual conference covering the whole of the social work field is set to take place in Preston.
The Joint Universities Social Work Association Conference (JUSWAC) will bring together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and those with lived experience of social work from the UK and across the globe.
Hosted by the University of Central Lancashire, the conference will be held over three days, from Wednesday 25 June to Friday 27 June.
This year’s theme – Shaping Our Future: Proactive messages from social work practice, education and research – aims to foster critical thinking, showcase cutting-edge research, and highlight the profession’s vital role in supporting individuals and communities through some of life’s most difficult challenges.
The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to see the power of social work in action – from safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, to challenging inequalities and intervening in
situations of domestic violence and coercive control.
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Professor Janet Melville-Wiseman, Chair of the Joint Universities Social Work Association, said: “It’s been a turbulent time politically and professionally, with mounting pressures on the workforce and students alike.
“JUSWAC is our chance to come together – not just to share ideas, but to support each other, celebrate our collective knowledge, and keep kindness and hope at the centre of everything we do.”
Mary Shannon, Associate Dean for Social Work at the University of Central Lancashire, said: “Hosting the JUSWAC conference puts Preston at the heart of national conversations about social justice, care, and community wellbeing.
“We aim to attract hundreds of professionals, academics and changemakers to our university, one of the larger providers of social work degrees in the country, further cementing our role in social work education and research.”
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Speakers include Professor John Devaney, a leading authority on childhood adversity, domestic abuse, and social work practice; Rob Mitchell, Principal Social Worker and co-author of the bestselling Social Work, Cats and Rocket Science; and Professor Anna Gupta, whose research powerfully amplifies the voices of families and children within the care and justice systems.
Alongside expert paper presentations, workshops, and special interest groups, the conference includes a drinks reception on the Wednesday, and an evening barbecue social event on the Thursday, both featuring live entertainment and helping guests to connect and network.
Tickets are available via the University of Central Lancashire website.
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