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Who is this workshop for?
This workshop is open to all kinship carers living in England who want to learn more about life story work (LSW).
You’ll explore what it is, when to consider it, techniques to carry it out (and get support), as well as how it can help kinship children build a positive self-image.
What will be covered?
In this workshop, you’ll learn how to:
- understand what life story work (LSW) is, and the positive impact it can have on mental health, emotional intelligence/resilience, self-esteem and identity
- help children navigate LSW that focuses on what’s relevant to their needs, understanding and situation – including wider family context and impact
- recognise what effective LSW looks like specifically for children in kinship care
- use existing useful LSW and research, to develop practical, relevant LSW strategies specific to kinship care, as well as each child’s life stage/understanding level
- acknowledge the potential impact of difficult LSW discussions on children and carers, and how to approach this sensitively, with self-care in mind
- find and explore further information and support
After the workshop, you’ll receive information and the presentation slides by email, along with a feedback survey.
How to join the workshop
All workshops will be held online using a free platform called Zoom. Please note that numbers are limited for each session to around 20-25 people to allow you to meet other kinship carers.
You can access Zoom with a desktop computer, laptop, tablet or even your phone. You may need to download Zoom before joining – please factor in time to do that. The best experience will be with a computer or laptop. Watch a video on how to join a Zoom meeting.
To join the workshop, click on the Zoom link in the email we sent you.
Please make sure you:
- join on time – late joiners might not be admitted after 15 minutes
- have a pen / pencil and paper to make notes
What happens if you need to cancel your place?
We understand that life gets in the way sometimes, so if you need to cancel your place please do try and let us know as soon as possible.
You’ll be able to do this through:
- the email confirmation you received when you first booked
- or by emailing us on: workshops@kinship.org.uk
Who runs this workshop?
The workshop is run by Dr Paul Shuttleworth, who will be joined by Michelle Hall as co-facilitator.
About Dr Paul Shuttleworth
Paul is a registered social worker, having worked in practice with children and families for 20+ years, as well as in a kinship care team in Brighton and Hove. Paul completed his PhD (“What Matters to Children Living in Kinship Care”) in 2021, and worked at Sussex University as a BA social work professional officer, associate tutor, postdoctoral fellow, lecturer and research associate, as well as a senior lecturer at Kingston University. His book ‘Navigating Relational Spaces’ came out in Aug 2024, but he’s previously published and edited work in a variety of publications. Paul’s interests include listening to and valuing children’s views, kinship care, permanence, dialogical participation, critical realism, value-led research and practice, and breaking down the theory-practice divide.
About Michelle Hall
Michelle is a kinship carer for her 13-year-old grandson, having also been his special guardian for 10 years.
She is a university lecturer, teaching students interested in working with children, young people, and families – as well as social work apprentices training for leadership roles.
Her previous roles include leading services for young adults with learning disabilities and autism, family support and childcare.
Register for this workshop
To register for your free place, complete our short form.
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