Group Work in Voluntary Social Care

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Throughout life we experience loss, an event or circumstance, which deprives us of something or someone. It is particularly important to understand the significance of loss when we consider that at any given moment in time any one of us can experience it. There are many examples of loss in people’s daily lives, this may be the experience of the death of a loved one or it could be the loss of employment, prospect of health and hopes for the future. What is essential for us as social workers to realise is that any change in a person’s lifestyle may be associated with loss and loss of control, which in turn may prove to be very stressful, and a source of grief. Issues surrounding loss can be seen as important factors in the ways in which they have a bearing on people’s lives. As social workers we need an understanding of the complex phenomenon of bereavement in order to help a person resolve their grieving in a healthy manner. Sadness, anger, guilt and self-reproach, anxiety and helplessness are commonly felt emotions by someone who is experiencing loss. I am going to introduce “Malcolm” a gentleman that I worked with for a short period of time during my first year placement. Malcolm had, throughout his adult life experienced loss. He suffers from multiple sclerosis and what was of great significance to Malcolm’s life was the fact that his wife, who was his main carer, died a year before I came to work with him. Throughout this essay I am going to try and explore the emotional risks, uncertainties and potential emotional demands facing Malcolm and explain the therapeutic practice undertaken. It was important that a community assessment with Malcolm was done as soon as possible. During the assessment there were various questions that needed to be asked, to establish his needs, wishes and feelings. During the assessment and from what little

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