Moving Social Work

These events are organised as part of the BHSCT Social Work Workforce Plan, Staff Experience and Well Being work stream. Staff are only required to book and attend one session.

Some of you may recall Brett Smith delivering a presentation as part of our World Social Work Event on his research ‘Moving Social Work’. Brett Smith is a Professor of Physical Activity and Disability at Durham University. He is the lead of the UK Chief Medical Officers’ Physical Activity Guidelines for Disabled People. Brett has organised for Mark Hollett, who led the wellbeing at work project to deliver training to our social workers on 24th September 2025.

Moving Social Work is a co-produced and strength-based training programme designed to empower social workers in promoting physical activity – moving more often for social justice, wellbeing, and good health. This training has been called for by people who want more richer conversations about moving a little more often with social workers. It also attends to social workers own wellbeing through how to empower this professional workforce to be more active when at work. The training has been co-produced with and by social workers and people with lived experience. The aim is also to further engage staff with regards focusing on and promotion of their own health and well-being.

More detail on link below.

https://socialworkwithadults.blog.gov.uk/2024/02/13/moving-social-work-it-means-what-it-says/

Testimony:

“Moving Social Work is really interesting, insightful, and valuable. It’s great training that can be used in all areas of social work. The training really shines a light on the unique value of social work. We came away feeling enthused and energised by what was learnt. The training is much than about physical activity or disability. It opened up conversations about the care act, mental health, drug and alcohol use, adult and child social work, prevention, strength based working, and community wellbeing, and more. I look forward to reflecting on all this as part of my CPD and the ongoing conversations that will be generated. I would 100% recommend this training for all social workers.” (Senior Social Worker)

Learning outcomes:

1. To improve knowledge about physical activity and how it can be useful to support wellbeing and human rights

2. To improve confidence to have richer conversations about physical activity

3. To improve practical skills to support people to be move more often