2 June 2011

Social work service users and carers sought

The Carer and User Group at the University of Dundee is inviting people who have had dealings with social work services to take part in discussions about how they can be improved.

The Group is looking for current and former service users and carers to take part in the World Café seminar taking place at the Apex Hotel on Monday, 6th June.

The event is being hosted by the Group, part of Education, Social Work and Community Education (ESWCE) at the University, and offers people the chance to chat in a relaxed and informal situation.

Users and carers are invited to share their experiences and opinions on how social workers can be helped to learn and train. They will also be encouraged to become more involved in future service User and Carer Group meetings.

Professor Yolande Muschamp, Dean of ESWCE, and Professor Pete Downes, Principal of the University, will attend the event, along with practitioners, researchers, social workers, carers and service users.

Professor Muschamp said, 'We are delighted to work in partnership with the Carer and User Group to host this event, which we hope will encourage new membership for the group as it moves forward.

'It is a unique opportunity for carers and people who use social work services to have their voices heard about the future of social work education. We look forward to lively discussion and debate about this topical issue within a relaxed atmosphere on the day.'

The seminar, entitled 'Learning Works: Celebrating and Building on Success in User and Carer Involvement', takes place at the Apex Hotel from 10am-3.30pm on Monday, 6th June.

Individuals can take part in the event free of charge. Lunch and refreshments will provided throughout the day.

Anyone interested in taking part should contact Grainne Barr on 01382 381429, or email ESWCE-marketing@dundee.ac.uk.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
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