Hello everyone

I working with Trish and Wendy on developing using the arts in teaching and learning in social care and social work. I work at the University teaching educators and managers in health and social care. I am interested in this blog as a way we can all talk to each other more and develop conversations we would not have otherwise - this leads to new learning for us all.
I would also like to see older people treated with more respect and dignity [key words in the NHS at the moment!]

Thank you student bloggers

Thanks to all of you who have introduced yourselves so far. Paul, I notice you have been on, are you able to contribute something, we have a good number of students interested now and some following us from the shadows so to speak. Trish

Hi - I am Kakoli and I'm taking the lead from Emma as I was unsure what to write in the blog. I work with older people and have been doing so in various capacities for the last 6/7 years. I know some of my friends find working with older people not that challenging and stereotype older people as incontinent and demented - but I have learned so much and have felt that I have had so much varied exeriences while working with this service user group that for me this group is as challenging as any other.
I am very curious about the 'rude older people' - why rude??

Hello there!

Here's a little bit about me:

I'm currently a 2nd year BA (Hons) Social Work student at London South Bank and am on placement at a charity that helps older people. Before that, I worked as a hair/make-up artist in film, TV and theatre, so I have quite a lot of experience of the production process. One of my first theatre jobs was on a production by Cardboard Citizens, a theatre company who train homeless people in the art of acting. Since then, I've always been interested in using drama with groups of people who are marginalised in society. So I'm really looking forward to getting involved with this workshop!

Hello Sadie

Would you like to say something about yourself, I understand that you have done bit of drama before coming to London South Bank?

Thank you Emma - our first blogger on the site

Thanks to Emma, one of the students joining the project. It would be nice of those involved to say a little bit about themselves and what is motivating them to join in, your experiences and expectations of the project. A kind of 'pre-meet' I expect! Best wishes, Trish.

first post...

Not really sure what to write on my first post, so thought it best to start with a little introduction (and apology for my random photo - dont have many photos of myself on my computer!).

I'm a student on the MSc at South Bank, I'm on placement at a domestic violence advovacy project which brings me into contact with some older people. Apart from that, and a three day shadowing of a social worker in an older peoples team I have done very little work with older people (my background is in Youth work and support and advocacy for young people). So I'm looking forward to learning loads from the rest of the group. I also enjoy a bit of drama / role play and find it a great way to learn.

Look forward to meeting the group and getting stuck in to the project!

Emma