Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

Links:

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

Links:

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

Opening Discussion: Teaching & Activism

Conversation with Lee: Care Experience, Prison, and Activism

Lee’s Background:

• Grew up in care, moving through 28+ placements.
• Entered the justice system at 17, receiving a 5-year sentence

Lee talks about:

• The Impact of the Fellowship & Retreat
• Reflects on the Justice System & Care Experience
• Describes the cycle of placement breakdowns leading to further instability.
• Critiques the justice system for failing to recognize trauma and providing inadequate mental health support.
• Notes how prison officers often viewed him as “a problem” rather than exploring underlying issues.

Reflections & Closing Thoughts:

Rich: Shares personal insights from retreat experiences, including the significance of eye contact in developing intimacy and emotional connection.

Tim: Celebrates Lee’s resilience and activism, highlighting his drive to influence change at both a grassroots and policy level. Emphasizes the importance of mutual support, professional collaboration, and finding strength in lived experience.

Eckhart Tolle Reflection:

“When you make friends with the present moment, you feel at home, no matter where you are.”

Key Takeaways:

• Care & Stability Matter: Placement moves impact trust and stability for young people.
• Prisons Need Trauma-Informed Approaches: Labeling and pathologizing behavior without support fuels further harm.
• Lived Experience is a Powerful Force for Change: People like Lee bring invaluable insights to reform efforts.
• Connection Heals: Simple, human interactions—whether in public living rooms or through eye contact—can be transformational.

Links:

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

In this episode of the Relation Activism in Social Work podcast, hosts Tim Fisher and Rich Devine engage in a lively discussion that covers a range of topics from personal anecdotes about daily life to reflections on their university experiences and the challenges faced in direct work with children in social work.

They also touch on upcoming professional events and introduce guest Charlotte Spires, who shares insights on community dynamics and gentrification in Bristol.

The conversation delves into the complexities of conflict within social work, exploring its fundamental role in the profession. Tim, Rich and Charlotte discuss the misconceptions surrounding social work, the realities of managing relationships with families, and the importance of trust and change. They highlight the inherent tensions between the rights of parents and children and the challenges social workers face in navigating these conflicts.

The discussion emphasises the need for humility, understanding, and recognising the systemic factors influencing family dynamics.

Links:

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

This episode explores the profound complexities of addiction, trauma, and recovery, featuring the deeply personal and inspiring journey of guest Ian Thomas, a social worker and speaker with lived experience of addiction and healing.

In this conversation, we cover:

Understanding Addiction and Trauma

Drawing from Gabor Maté’s In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, the discussion highlights addiction as a response to trauma, rooted in biological, psychological, and social factors. Ian reflects on his personal battle with addiction, describing substances as a “medicine” for unhealed pain and trauma, and shares poignant moments from his recovery journey.

The Power of Connection and Compassion

Ian recounts how a solicitor’s kindness and non-judgmental approach helped him acknowledge his need for change, emphasizing the transformative power of compassion and human connection in recovery. Rich builds on this, encouraging social workers to see beyond behaviours and recognize the underlying pain and unmet needs of those they support.

Social Work and Relational Practice

The conversation underscores the critical role of social workers in fostering trust, compassion, and understanding. Rich and Ian discuss how professionals can balance empathy with accountability, offering practical insights into working with parents struggling with substance misuse.

Links:

Contact Ian Thomas: Email at ianpresents@gmail.com or connect via LinkedIn for speaking engagements or workshops: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-thomas-5b573a100/

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/

In this episode, Tim Fisher and Rich Devine kick off 2025 with reflections on personal and professional goals, recent events, and an inspiring conversation with guest Vicki Shevlin, creator of Social Work Sorted. The discussion explores social work practice, personal growth, and the profession’s challenges.

Key Highlights:

1. Personal Reflections and Goals:

•Rich emphasizes living an ego-balanced life, inspired by James Hollis, while Tim focuses on reading and lifelong learning.

•They discuss balancing professional aspirations with personal well-being.

2. Love Shows Up Event:

•A celebration of the “Love Shows Up” Valentine’s Day event and the importance of relational activism in social work.

3. Guest Interview – Vicki Shevlin:

•Vicki shares her transition to independent practice, her mantra “Go where the love is,” and her support for newly qualified social workers (NQSWs).

•The discussion covers boundaries, empathy, and authentic family connections.

4. The Role of Social Media:

•Vicki reflects on building a social work community online and balancing its opportunities and challenges.

5. Final Reflections:

•The episode closes with a reading from Eckhart Tolle, focusing on acceptance and awareness.

Links:
Vicki Shevlin: https://www.socialworksorted.com/aboutme

Vicki's podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1926820

Relational Activism: https://www.relationalactivism.com/

Rich's BASW Child Protection sessions: https://basw.co.uk/social-work-child-protection-professional-practice-programme

Rich Devine's blog: https://richarddevinesocialwork.com/about/

Tim Fisher LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/timfisher101/

Rich Devine LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-devine-181763177/