This assignment is an evaluation of my second year field practice placement, drawing on aspects of the understanding of the organisation in terms of analysing the community development project

Also, the multi agency approach has resulted in smaller agencies of community development and organisation being excluded and are finding it harder to develop a common culture as they may find it difficult to acquire the resources of the larger agencies, such as Outlook

During the planning phase it was decided that my formative evaluation would be the organisations summative, while taken note of this it was decided that due to time I would not use a formal summative evaluation of the project. However, I would use an informal approach in terms of ujsing my professional judgement to determine whether the session is successful. Also, during the planning phase a goal was identified which was to informally educate and empower the clients to underrstasnd some of the issues around social inclusion and confidence building. While taken note of this I recognised the best approach would be to deal with the root cause, as opposed to the leaping in straight for a solution on symptoms. (Freire, P 1998) Therefore form this point from identifying the need it was implementing the projectand the most appropriate theory seemed to be the ten stage process from Popple (citing Henderson and Thomas 1987) that presents a ten stages which community work moves through. This process is only effective assuming the fundermental needs of the clients have been identified in relation to the community profile detailed in the appendix of this assignment, in order to show the process I went through I have summarised the crucial work using the diagram below (Fig 1.1).

Fig 1.1 Taster sessions (Assuming needs and consultation have been identified and carried out)

Needs, goals and roles?

Needs: raise self esteem, confidence and awareness of mainstream provision such as college or work. Goal to fully integrate the members back into society. Role of the organization to provide necessary support, and me as work to facilitate the sessions as well as organize them

Make contacts and bring people together

Provide activities which build trust, confidence and honesty in the group. Tackle issues through informal education and awareness of oppression. Prepare skills for managing an organisation.

Forming and building organisations

Continue to provide support. Sometimes act as a mediator for the common "storming" phase in group work, because I recognize some conflict within group is beneficial to it's overall progress

Helping to clarify goals and priorities

Examine progress, look at merits to work done, initiate a key event that will "signify" achievement. In this case a feedback session for the entire service which takes into account my sessions as well.

Keeping the organization/ session going

Provide a non-active, advisory role for the client group. Provide a handover summary after I finish work as the project will continue

Dealing with friends and enemies

Network with local services and community associations. Such as college, employement agencies and so on.

Leavings and endings

Continuous reflection throughout the process to ensure power is transferring more to the client group, which can be seen through the reflective recordings in the appendix of this assignment. Hopefully decrease involvement and let the group take the initiative.

(From Henderson & Thomas 1987: in Popple 1995)

A criticism of this model of work is it seems not to be straight forward in the respect that the emphasis is on the worker having identified all needs, objectives and roles prior to consultation, which is clearly not always possible due to a number of issues, such as the funders setting the goal posts.

Conclusion:

The term community work is highly problematic , because of the numerous definition. In the past community work has been known to relatively chaotic, lead by governmental, organisational, funding and policies. This in my opinion has created a lot of misunderstanding around the of community work. The role of the community worker seems to that of an informal educator. This education as I have stated throughout the assignment has tended to be disfuntional. Education in this sense seems to be based around political agenders and come to light when the educational theory is put into practice.

Community work seems to used for two main purposes as a tool for liberation, and a device for social control. Therefore I feel the only suitable way forward is for community workers re-analzse their role and become clear of the organisations obligations to third parties. A fundermental role of community work is challenging oppression through this role of informal education, which is as a tool for everyday practice.

The key priority for organising a successful project is reflective practice and through appendix 1- 11 this is reiterated fully.

Bibilgraphy

Freire, P. (1998) The Paulo Friere Reader, New York: Continuum

Ledwith, M (1997) Particpating in Transformation Brimingham: Venture Press

Popple, K. (1997) Analysing Community Work Buckingham: Open University Press

PRESTON-SHOOT, M. (2002). Effective Groupwork. London: Macmillan Press.

THOMPSON, N. (2001). Anti Discriminator Practice (3rd ed) Hampshire: Palgrave.

THOMPSON, N. (1998). Promoting Equality: Challenging Discrimination and Oppression in the Human Services. Hampshire: Palgrave.

Appendix 1

Description:

Two clients gained confidence in a negative way because the clients in question, felt they could go out and commit criminal activity with brawling in the street, and when challenged about their behaviour they said the session enabled them to feel more confident about expressing themselves and fighting is a form of expression.

Understanding:

It seems that the individuals have other more pressing issues such as addressing there anger and aggression, I feel at present the individuals should take responsibility for their actions rather than feeling they have accomplished something.

Generalisation:

For the welfare of other service users this incident was brought up as a matter of priority and dealt with in terms of explaining what the organisation is for, and how their behaviour could have a detrimental effect on other peoples well being.

Future action:

It was agreed that the individuals in question would be closely monitored by the organisation to ensure the safety of all clients is upheld.

In regards to the session it was thought that this was a one off incident and was very unlikely to occur again so no changes were made to the project.

Recordings in the form of a journal:

Appendix 2:

Description:

Attended client review first thing this morning, during the meeting I had the opportunity to discuss a client who had failed to attend the planned review, it was also identified that she had not attend two group sessions the previous week I was able to gain advice and support from colleagues as to what action I should take, it was agreed that I should write and offer a new review date.

The remainder of the morning was spent covering the front desk, where I booked clients in to the unit, made appointments for alternative therapies and was also available to clients for advice and support should they need it.

After lunch I undertook a review with a client, during which she informed me that at the present time she was feeling depressed, after exploring with her why she felt this might be, she informed me that she felt that it was partly due to her not going out along with not sleeping very well.

We discussed the options available to her; I talked about the alternative therapies that were available along with the option of using the local gym. It was agreed that she would like to go swimming, I also booked a massage and explained that either before or after the massage she could discuss some relaxation techniques with the therapist, she also agreed to have acupuncture before she left, arranged for her to speak with me the following week.

Later I had my supervision session with my work place supervisor.

For the remainder of the day I undertook office cover, it was during this time that I assisted a client in making a complaint about the lack of drinks available in the machine.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

The client review was useful in that I was able to ask for help and advice from colleagues who have experience in this area.

In terms of the review I am now feeling more confident, I feel this is as a result of both the reading material available to me also that I am beginning to relax more with clients when undertaking reviews, this will impact in a positive way on clients in that if I am more confident then this will encourage openness in my working relationships.

Supervision I found useful in that Laura was interested in me and the course I am undertaking, along with this she was supportive and encouraging, which made me feel better about myself and how I am doing in the placement. I felt that I could be open and honest with her about the work I am undertaking along with the work I need to do for university.

Regarding assisting the client who expressed a wish to make a complaint, I was acting within the agencies policies and procedures

Appendix 3:

Description:

Still feel very nervous, some of this is because I am still unsure about my role, however I feel has time goes by it will become clearer.

First thing this morning Laura went through some of the policy's and procedures, we were unable to go through them all, because it had been arranged for me to go on some training about blood born viruses, for example hepatitis-c and harm reduction. The training involved professionals, volunteers and members of the service user's forum, some of which I had met the previous day, this is helping me to build working relationships.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

I thought the training was useful in that it will enable me to provide accurate information to clients not only about safe injecting but to make them aware of the blood born viruses that they could be at risk of.

This will go some way to reducing the both risk to the client and the wider community,

Appendix 4:

Description:

Full day of acupuncture training.

The purpose of this training was to enable me to assist clients, who are trying to refrain from taking drugs/alcohol, stimulants and who maybe experiencing difficulties. Acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of withdrawal for example, anxiety, poor appetite and disturbed sleep pattern. Should a client agree to have acupuncture it will assist and contribute to their overall well being, thus further contributing to their aims in achieving change.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

While I enjoyed the training it brought with it issues for myself, I am not used to being in a clients personal space that said I am not sure I am able to stick needles into someone else. (Refer to Fieldwork report form)

That said I feel if I am to enable clients to address issues for themselves then I need to know what it feels like, therefore I will try to deal with this.

Appendix 6:

Description:

First part of the morning was spent with Laura covering guidelines along with part of the induction programme.

Later in the morning I joined the Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP), while I was aware that this was an open group, I explained to group members that I was a student on placement with the unit, I then asked their permission to join the group, I felt that it should not be assumed that because I was a student on placement I had the right to join, I felt also by asking the group that I was showing respect and enabling them to feel they had some control, also that they would feel that I was valuing them

Later in the day I spent time with Laura, who provided me with further information in regards to guidelines and the expectations of me as a team member.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

The NLP group was a good experience, as part of the group I had to give some of myself, that said I was also able to see how NLP works and how it empowered individuals within the group who maybe feeling 'stuck' it dose this by taking the abilities the person has, thus it enhances changes they wish to make in their lives. It has also by taking part given me an insight into how I can support and encourage clients to meet their identified needs through different therapies. (Refer to fieldwork report form)

Appendix 7:

Description:

First thing this morning I attended a client review meeting, this takes place on a weekly basis, the aim is to look at clients who have attended the unit the previous week, what services they have been using, and if there is any further support they might need in assisting them with the changes they wish to make.

Client review is also where we look at the Issues Book, this is where any concerns about clients are recorded, it may be that the client has been abusing the service, for example attended the unit intoxicated, or are under the influence of other substances they may have been abusive to staff.

The meeting gives staff that for various reasons may not have seen clients in the unit, along with this are issues in relation to health and safety of staff.

Later in the day I spent time with Laura, who explained to me my responsibility's when I am undertaking office cover in accordance with the agencies policy's and procedures, I will need to ensure that sessions start on time and during break times, lunch time cover for reception. Laura also explained to me the expectations of clients when they are in the café area, there should be no talk of drugs or alcohol, and none should be used within the unit, as some clients may experience difficulties with this especially if they are abstinent.

After this I was introduced to the initial assessment team, I spoke to Paul who provided me with information on how the unit works, he explained that they are the first point of contact for adult clients who are affected by substance use, the unit has several elements to it, they offer a Listening Ear, Stimulant provision and Needle Exchange where a range of harm minimisation and support is available. There aim is to engage and retain substance users in a supportive service that is able to respond to their identified needs in a holistic way.

In partnership with the client they will undertake a holistic assessment, they will then respond to identified needs and the options available to the individual.

Later in the day I observed a review of a clients care plan, this was to ensure that we were meeting his needs; he was also made aware of the new program.

Towards the end of the day I was asked to observe the café area after the group had finished, it was while doing this that I was able to put into practice policy's and procedures that had been explained to me earlier in the day.

While in the café area I was aware that one of the clients was smoking a substance that is banned in the unit, in accordance with policy and procedure I informed another team member who confirmed that this was the case, the client in question was spoken to about this.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

Today I enjoyed learning about the unit in which I am based; along with knowledge I gained by spending time with the Initial Assessment team. Further more I was pleased with myself, in that I was able to put into practice some of the policies and procedures of the unit, also in compliance with Section 8, Misuse of Drugs Act: 1971. It could be said that my actions also protected other service users.

Appendix 8:

Description:

For most of today I spent my time reading information in regard to other service areas, I was asked to spend time reading the agencies policy's and procedures and while doing this checking that all the information contained in it was correct.

I also made telephone calls to other agencies arranging for me to visit in order to gain an understanding of what they offer to the diverse and varying client groups.

Unfortunately I was only able to make arrangements to implement the taster sessions at this stage.

Since my acupuncture training last week I have felt quite stressed by the thought of attending the next training day and questioned whether I am able to continue with the training.

After much sole searching I sought advice and support from Laura a colleague, after discussing my fears and capability to complete the training with her it was agreed that I speak to the trainer to see if she could alleviate my fears. Despite my apprehension at approaching Laura I found her to be both supportive and understanding.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

Quite a frustrating day, in that I was disappointed that I was unable to make contact with other agencies in regard to the community development project. However by spending time reading the policies and procedures I gained a better understanding of what I will be working with and the expectations of me as an effective team member.

Despite my fears about the impending training I was glad that I was able to approach Laura for support.

Appendix 9:

Description:

Today I been asked to provide office cover again although at another office where we provide a service, this was with two colleagues we will all share the responsibility of ensuring that client accessing the service are spoken to and that they are receiving the services they have requested, for example art, alternative therapy or if they feel they need to then I will may time to discuss any issues that may have arisen for them.

During the day when I was not engaging with clients I researched the availability of counselling service outside the service area, the aim of this is to compile a list of counselling services that clients can access should they need.

The service area that I am placed in offers counselling, however this is for a limited period, some clients may feel they need it in the longer term.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

Today I felt was very productive even though o was reluctant due to being on office cover. I was also able to spend time with client further building and forming good working relationships, also by starting to compile a register of counselling services it further increased my working knowledge of service availability and recourses, which will also enhance my practice.

Appendix 10:

Description:

Office cover along with a colleague Mark and one of the volunteer workers, we will all be responsible for the running of the office, meeting client's needs, and alternative therapies.

Today I was able to undertake my first induction/ assessment with a client, before I undertook this task I asked Mark to explain the process to me. I have had the opportunity to observe inductions/assessments; however I felt that it would not harm to have clarification.

Also made appointments for clients who requested further therapy treatments, at the end of the day I contacted the main office in order to confirm who had visited the unit that day, this is done to inform the service that we are meeting client needs, after this I ensured that all the relevant information was filed and stored.

This is in accordance with the agencies policy and procedure and confidentiality.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

By undertaking office cover and the passing of information identifies my ability to develop professional competence and work within an organisation.

In terms of the induction/assessment I felt that by ensuring that I knew the clients name, confirming with the client as to how she would like to be addressed and throughout the interview calling her by name as often as possible, demonstrates that she is valued along with identifying her uniqueness.

During the interview I gave J the opportunity to tell me her expectation of the service, I then went on to explain the aims of the service, resources available within the service, the expectations of service users such as confidentiality policy and the policy of not using the service when under the influence of drugs/ alcohol.

Appendix 11:

Description:

First thing this morning I covered the front desk, where I booked clients in and answered the telephone.

After this I attended the client review meeting, where I was allocated four clients to review, this will involve me writing to them and providing them with an appointment, this is in accordance with the agency's policies and procedure in that clients are regularly reviewed in order to discuss there needs and if any changes need to be made to their program.

Later in the day I wrote inviting clients in for their review.

Completed some more acupuncture on a client, still feeling nervous when undertaking the procedure. After the treatment I recorded the information on the clients file, and then returned in to the locked cabinet, in accordance with agency policy.

After lunch I spent time in the Health for Life group, along with this I undertook office cover.

At the end of the day I spent time with my work place supervisor, we arranged to have a more detailed discussion the following day as this was her first day back from annual leave.

Generalisation and changes for future practice

By covering the front desk and providing office cover, it helps me to continue to increase my working knowledge and to continue building good working relationships with clients.

Actively tacking part in the Health for Life group is important in that it helps build and develop working relationships with clients, and breaks down the barriers of staff - client, thus can be seen that I am going some way in redressing the imbalance of power and oppression, as Thompson states, "Empowerment is a goal and a process for overcoming oppression." (Thompson N p164 2001).

The same could be said when undertaking office cover, as this allows me time with clients in a group setting, for example today the group started to involve me in their conversation, which previously I have made most of the conversation in order for me to engage with them. I see today as a positive move forward in that the client group are beginning to trust me and see me as a member of a wider team that is trying to assist them is achieving their identified goals.