Social Worker Matters

Dr. Sylvia

<p>Welcome to Social Work Matters with Dr Sylvia Smith, where we explore the realities and celebrate the successes of social work practice, management and education.</p> <p><strong>A few words from Dr. Sylvia on her background and Social Worker Matters</strong></p> <p>I began my social work career at 16yrs old when I embarked on my first training course in social care.  I now have over 35yrs of experience in social work; practice, leadership/management and education.Bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills and passion to my work and I want to convey these attributes in my Social Worker Matters podcast.</p> <p>I am passionate about 'reclaiming social work' and will be exploring the realities and celebrating the successes in this profession.  I invite you to join my guests and me for insightful discussions, sharing of professional experiences and much, much wisdom in all things social work. If you're thinking about joining the profession, are newly qualified practitioners or a seasoned professional, this podcast is for you.</p>

  • 45 minutes 55 seconds
    Caribbean Perspectives in Occupational Therapy in the UK

    Caribbean Perspectives in Occupational Therapy in the UK is a pioneering resource that brings cultural specificity into occupational therapy practice, centring the experiences and needs of Caribbean communities living in the UK. It is notably authored by occupational therapists of Caribbean heritage themselves, lending the work an authenticity and lived-experience grounding that sets it apart.

    The publication draws on biographical narratives and case studies to explore how cultural identity, heritage, and lived experience shape health outcomes and occupational engagement for Caribbean people in the UK. By weaving personal stories alongside practical applications, it bridges theory and real-world practice in an accessible way.

    A core theme running through the work is health inequalities — acknowledging the systemic and structural barriers that Caribbean communities face in healthcare settings and equipping occupational therapists with tools to address them more effectively. Alongside this, it champions cultural humility as a professional stance, encouraging practitioners to reflect critically on their own assumptions and to engage with clients in a respectful, curiosity-driven way rather than through a one-size-fits-all approach.

    The resource also emphasises social inclusion, recognising that meaningful participation in everyday life — the heart of occupational therapy — cannot be understood without attending to cultural context. At the same time, it celebrates the richness and vibrancy of Caribbean culture, framing it not merely as a backdrop to disadvantage but as a source of strength, identity, and resilience.

    For practitioners, the text offers concrete, actionable insights for continuing professional development, making it a valuable tool for both individual therapists and organisations working toward more culturally responsive and equitable care.

    In this SWM episode, we're joined by some of the great minds and committed colleagues, Dr Blaine Robin, Odeth Richardson, Jennie Alexander and Melisa Henry.  As the book's launch date draws closer, we will meet other contributors to this much-needed text.



    Caribbean Perspectives on Occupational Therapy in the United Kingdom: An Essential Practice Guide and Study Manual
    https://amzn.eu/d/04b1tnTr


    25 February 2026, 7:00 pm
  • 50 minutes 36 seconds
    A Different Valentines Message from Amja Unabashedly

    A Valentine’s Day to Social Workers

    In this powerful Valentine’s Day episode, Amja shares her transformative Self-Soothing Creative Steps (SSCS) framework—a lifeline born from her own journey through domestic abuse and a beacon for those who pour themselves into caring for others.

    The framework’s four pillars—support, self-love, spirituality, and security—challenge the extractive culture that demands women / social workers prove their worth through constant depletion. Amja speaks to a truth many recognise: the expectation, especially for Black women, to prioritise everyone else while neglecting themselves leads to burnout that serves no one.

    What makes this conversation revolutionary is its refusal to accept martyrdom as virtue. Asking for support isn’t weakness; setting boundaries isn’t selfishness. These are acts of preservation that enable sustainable, meaningful work. Amja’s background as both a service user and a consultant gives her unique insight into how organisational culture can either nurture or drain its people.

    The discussion addresses generational shifts in workplace expectations, in which younger professionals increasingly reject disrespectful treatment and demand compensation that reflects their value. This isn’t entitlement—it’s overdue recognition that caring professions deserve adequate resources and respect.

    Through art-led activities like “Let the Pen Speak,” Amja creates spaces for difficult conversations about harm and well-being. Her work reminds us that self-expression and reflection aren’t luxuries but necessities for those holding others’ pain daily.

    As AI threatens to further dehumanise work, this episode offers a counterpoint: What if technology freed us to bring more creativity, emotion, and humanity to our roles? What if organisations aligned their principles with employees’ well-being rather than extraction?

    This Valentine’s Day, Amja’s message resonates: true service begins with serving yourself. Only then can you offer others genuine, sustainable care.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​


    www.amjaunabashedly.com
    [email protected]
    "Let Art Be Your Becoming"


    10 February 2026, 2:00 pm
  • 1 hour 10 minutes
    I'm a new original - Antonia (Amja) Lee In Conversation

    Welcome to this new episode of Social Workers Matter, my guest today is Antonia Amja Lee  where creativity meets resilience and empowerment! Join us as we dive into Amja’s inspiring journey —a self-taught artist and motivational speaker who has transformed her life through art after overcoming the shadows of domestic abuse. In today’s episode, Amja introduces her innovative framework, the Self-Soothing Creative Steps, and shares how creativity can be a powerful catalyst for personal growth and advocacy.

    Prepare to be moved as Amja discusses how her artwork resonates deeply with audiences, tackling profound themes of self-love, cultural beauty standards, and Black identity. She reveals the transformative power of visual art to express complex ideas and foster understanding in our communities. 

    We explore her remarkable transition from focusing on trauma to embracing joy as a vital tool for healing and advocacy. Interestingly, discover her experiences in boxing and her current project, "Journey to the Ring," which honours stories of empowerment through creativity and movement.

    In this episode, Amja discusses:

    - Art as a Trauma Recovery Tool

    - Mindfulness and Personal Growth

    - The Power of Art to Connect and Inspire

    - Meaning and Audience Collaboration in Art

    - Black Artistry and Identity

    - Authentic Black Storytelling Through Art

    - Reclaiming Power Through Joy

    - Creative Empowerment Through Movement

    Amja's passion and joy are infectious, and her unwavering belief in her mission shines through every word. So, get ready to be inspired as we welcome Amja Lee—her love and light are sure to ignite your creative spirit!

    https://1drv.ms/b/c/6ae3883c84b04dc2/IQAAJLNZIG8TQbloh6SghJfaAXIl9rLnTTat1i6hymuDCashttps

    mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ui=2&ik=f0b9e36446&attid=0.0.1&permmsgid=msg-f:1848875935329232224&th=19a886de0f112560&view=att&zw&disp=inline


    www.amjaunabashedly.com     
    [email protected]
    "Let Art Be Your Becoming"



    19 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 11 minutes
    In Conversation with Professor Prospera Tedam SFHEA

    In Conversation with Professor Prospera Tedam SFHEA
     
    Join me for an inspiring conversation with the remarkable Professor Prospera Tedam, from the School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at University College Dublin.  Professor Tedam takes us on a journey through her career spanning both academia and frontline practice, sharing insights which are sure to resonate with social work professionals, students, and those passionate about social justice.
     
    Professor Tedam opens up about her fascinating five-year experience working in the United Arab Emirates, offering her perspectives on how social work practice translates across different cultural contexts and what she learned from this vital experience.
     
    Professor Tedam is passionate about school social work as a specialism. She discusses:

    •  The tremendous value this field brings to children and their families
    •  How school-based social work creates impact in the lives of vulnerable children
    •  Why school placements offer enriching and invaluable learning experiences for social work students

    Professor Tedam created the MANDELA Model, which was designed to support and enhance the experiences of student social workers, with particular sensitivity toward Black and minoritised students who are not well served. Hear the story behind its creation and how it’s making a difference in social work education.
     
    Professor Tedam teases exciting upcoming research outcomes, scheduled for release in 2026.   
     
     
     
    Find Professor Tedam’s work available here:

    https://people.ucd.ie/prospera.tedam/publications



    5 November 2025, 7:00 pm
  • 1 hour 27 minutes
    A Promise-Driven Leader Dr. Andrea J. Boudreaux MPH, FACHE

    In conversation with Dr Andrea J. Boudreaux, a seasoned physician with a wealth of experience, she shares her insights on the pressing challenges within the U.S. healthcare system. In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into themes like trust, resilience, and the urgent need for change.

    Dr Boudreaux doesn’t shy away from discussing the stark realities of a broken system that often fails marginalised communities. Yet, amidst the challenges, she remains hopeful, embodying the spirit of a promise-driven leader. Her candid reflections on both her professional journey and personal experiences reveal the complexities of healthcare and the radical transformations needed to make it equitable for all.

    Get ready to be inspired as we explore how to navigate despair with determination and the importance of never giving up on creating a better future for healthcare. Listen to discover how one leader’s vision can spark change in an entire system!




    15 October 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 53 minutes 14 seconds
    Hugh Mayers

    This is episode 101 of SWM, and Psychotherapist Hugh Mayers is our special guest. In our conversation, Hugh shares details about his career, and we take a deeper dive into his interesting work with young men at HM Prison Feltham following a difficult period, as well as his work with several school Pupil Referral Units and his meaningful therapeutic work with young Black boys.

    Hugh can be found on LinkedIn, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and X, he hosts his own community radio talk show @https://erccommunityradio.co.uk/ to reach out to him directly, at [email protected]


    8 October 2025, 6:00 pm
  • 55 minutes 44 seconds
    Celebrating 100 Episodes

    Celebrating 100 episodes of SWM, whoop whoop!  💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽🎤

    Here is the interview my friend and colleague, the lovely Sharon Jennings, did with me when the 5th Anniversary arrived.  

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    24 September 2025, 6:05 pm
  • 52 minutes 55 seconds
    'We are giving Back' - Safeguarding in the Caribbean

    'We are giving Back' - Safeguarding in the Caribbean

    D. Aleski Brandy-Williams and his Team

    D. Aleski Brandy-Williams is a qualified Social worker and the CEO of Brandy-Williams Ltd. He is the author of the book 'My Journey to Becoming a Black Male Social Worker.'

    In this podcast, we discuss his career, how he found social work, the value he places on contextual safeguarding practice and, importantly, a colossal undertaking he and his team have embarked upon in St Kitts and Nevis.

     

    www.brandy-williams.co.uk

    https://gofund.me/676e5aa0

     

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    13 August 2025, 6:05 pm
  • 1 hour 7 minutes
    Effective Professional &amp; Personal Judgement

    In this insightful episode of "Social Workers Matter," Dr. Sylvia B. Smith engages with Denise Harvey and Arlene P. Weekes as they share their recent collaboration on the book "Effective Personal and Professional Judgment in Social Work."   

    Throughout the episode, the authors explore the complexities of decision-making in social work and the broader application of the concepts in other sectors.   

    Listeners will learn about the significance of Arlene’s decision-making tool, Effective Personal & Professional Judgement, aka EPPJ, and the plans to create a comprehensive training package for individuals and organisations.

    Denise and Arlene also share their enthusiasm about promoting the book in various settings, including universities and international entrepreneurial training programs.  

    As the episode wraps up, the focus shifts to promoting the model, with discussions on utilising social media and training opportunities to reach a wider audience. The episode not only highlights the journey of these inspiring women but also encourages the audience to reflect on their own decision-making processes and the value of adaptability in their careers.

    Tune in for a rich blend of personal stories, professional insights, and practical strategies to elevate social work practices.

    For your copy, use this link https://eppj.org/about-eppj/#publications

     

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    25 June 2025, 6:05 pm
  • 58 minutes 42 seconds
    Anti-Racist Supervision In Practice

    Welcome to Episode 97 of "Social Workers Matter"! Today, I have the pleasure of speaking with two remarkable colleagues, Shabnam Ahmed and Jo Williams, who are not only dear friends but also passionate advocates for transformative supervision practice. They bring with them a wealth of experience and insight, having contributed to the newly released second edition of "The Anti-Racist Social Worker in Practice," edited by Nimal, Jude, Tanya Moore, and Glory Simango.

    In this episode, we'll dive into their journey as authors of Chapter 11, "Co-Creating a Model for Anti-Racist Supervision." Shabnam and Jo will share their collaborative process and the powerful insights they've gained along the way. You won't want to miss the practical wisdom and strategies they offer to enhance our practice and foster a more inclusive environment.

    'The Anti-Racist Social Worker in Practice' ed. by Nimal Jude, Tanya Moore & Glory Simango

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    4 June 2025, 6:05 pm
  • 34 minutes 2 seconds
    Social Work Across Borders

    Anna from Florida State University (FSU) completed her final Social Work placement at Doctors of the World. She was here for four months, and I met with her regularly as her long-term supervisor. We used this episode as an end-of-placement reflection session. Anna shared what she learned about the organisation, the work, and herself. She intends to complete her Master's in Social Work upon returning to the US and feels her experience in the UK has potentially equipped her for an international career.  She was a delight to supervise; insightful, reflective and respectful of those she encountered in her work with DoTW. I wish her every success in the future and have no doubt she will be an asset to the profession.

     

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    21 May 2025, 6:05 pm
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