The pandemic situation is very challenging for social workers as well. Two of Hampshire County’s social workers share their experiences working with people during the lockdown.
Sophie helped a family with two children, a 12-year old girl and a 5-year-old boy. She only had one personal meeting with the family when the pandemic and lockdown came, so she had to be creative to build a relationship with the kids online. Her solution was the use of video calls because it was an easier way of interacting with the girl since both she and her mother have dyslexia. As time passed, Sophie managed to build a good relationship with both kids. They could choose the right time and place for the calls, so the necessary level of privacy was provided. Sophie messaged the family regularly if someone needed to talk. She was told about both kids’ plans for the future. Sophie played games with them, so this way she could understand the kids and help them better. She was also there to help the girl to overcome difficulties because of dyslexia.
The other social worker, Janet worked with an 18-year-old boy who was separated without any connection to his family because of his risky behaviour. He suffered from attachment disorder. The boy was a challenge for her because of regular mood-swings. Janet was in connection with him on Messenger every week. The boy seemed to prefer this way of maintaining contact, as may the majority of people with attachment disorder, because this way did not need continuous eye-contact and not urged them to answer questions.
Working with people who suffer from this disease can be hard sometimes because one may feel threatened by them. By throwing her fears away, Janet could challenge the boy and encourage him to think more widely. Janet herself learned how to handle aggressive behaviour, too, by answering in a calm, composed way.