What I told a stranger in the park and why it matters for your practice

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a story that unfolded in my local park — one of those moments where instinct, practice experience, and humanity collided.After intervening in what appeared to be a domestically abusive situation, I walked away thinking about the one message every child, every adult, and every social worker needs to hear more often: “It’s not your fault.”In this episode, I talk about: • Why this message matters more than we realise • How systems, culture and upbringing shape our silence • The tension between speaking up vs staying quiet • The role social work skills play when things unfold in real time • How we help children (and ourselves) disconnect shame from experience • The importance of naming abuse with clarity, confidence and compassionInside the Social Work Collective Academy, we’re exploring confidence, regulation and reflective practice through our 12-week Confidence in Practice Journey — and this episode connects deeply to that work.If you want weekly guidance, bitesize practice support, domestic abuse training, court skills, child protection process refreshers and access to our December Masterclass on OFSTED, you can join the Academy anytime here. Lets connect!To book in a free 15 minute chat with me, to talk about training, development, courses or membership email [email protected] Sign up to my free newsletter Listen to Social Work Sorted Membership Podcast Join the Social Work Sorted Membership on Patreon for CPD & Resources to build your confidence as an early career social worker Email: [email protected]: Vicki Shevlin Instagram.com/vickishevlin_Instagram.com/socialworksortedYoutube.com/@socialworksortedFacebook.com/socialworksortedhttps://www.patreon.com/socialworksortedDisclaimer Thank you so much for listening. Please rate, review and share with one other person - it makes such a difference and I really appreciate your support.