The Joint Social Work Education and Research Conference (JSWEC) was held at the University of Strathclyde on the 15th and 16th June 2023. We (Emma Gennard and Jasmine Thomson, final year BA social work students) had the opportunity to co-present workshops at JSWEC about the importance of activism in the teaching of social justice alongside Dr Mel Hughes, and on the use of haikus in critical reflection alongside Dr Orlanda Harvey and Dr Louise Oliver.
This experience left us feeling empowered because our workshops were well received, and we received positive comments from those at the conference after presenting which has helped to build our confidence. The opportunity to present made us feel both valued and respected, amongst the social work team at Bournemouth University and the wider group at the conference. The conference itself felt like a safe environment to be in and was full of like-minded people, we had a sense of belonging despite being students at a conference full of academics. Having the opportunity to present has not only to present, but to attend workshops has left us feeling inspired for the future.
We feel very grateful to have had this opportunity and are thankful to the social work team at Bournemouth University for encouraging and supporting us along the way.
