Rural Social Work in the UK: Themes and Challenges for the Future (Rethinking Rural)

This book draws together writers from various backgrounds to discuss issues that affect those working in rural social work settings, on themes ranging from current issues that are common to rural localities (including those arising from the Covid-19 pandemic) to future challenges. Common themes that run through all the chapters and hold them together include community and place, stigma and alienation, inequality and social justice, and the environment. Several of the chapters include a strong user voice and challenge cis-heteronormative and other stereotypes of rural life by celebrating diversity in these communities. The book will therefore be invaluable to rural practitioners, students studying to work in rural settings and their educators, as well as rural sociologists and policy makers. Foreword Contents Notes on Contributors List of Abbreviations List of Figures 1: Introduction: Rurality and Rural Social Work Why This Book: The Rediscovery of Rural Social Work What Is Rurality? Rural Places Social Justice, Diversity and Difference What Is Rural Social Work? Issues Arising from the Policy Context The Content of the Book References Part I: Stigma 2: Social Work at Home: Dual Relationships Introduction Features of Dual Relationships Never NOT the Social Worker? Recommendations and Insights from Practice And Finally .... References 3: Alcohol and Other Drug Harm in Rural Scotland: Addiction Looks Different Here Introduction Alcohol and Other Drug Use and Harm in Scotland Alcohol Use and Associated Physical Harm in Scotland Other Drug Use and Associated Physical Harm in Scotland Harm Caused to Families Prevalence of Alcohol and Other Drug Use in Rural Scotland Hidden in Plain Sight Crime Poverty and Employment Affluence Barriers to Recovery Services and Seeking Support Access to Services Transportation Urban Bias in Co-producing Recovery Services Poor Communication and Dilution of Expertise Stigma Is It All Bad? Conclusion References 4: Rural Social Work with Romani and Travellers Introduction Gypsy, Roma and Travellers as Distinct Ethnic Groups Accommodation Origins Activism and the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Social Work Association Impact of Changing Rural Economy ‘The Last Acceptable Form of Racism’ Conclusion References Part II: Environment 5: Re-Imagining Rural Social Work During the Time of Covid-19 and a Climate Crisis Introduction Defining Rural Green Social Work Self-Care Rurbanisation: The Demise of Rural Living Rurbanisation in Rural Warwickshire Climate Change: A Rural Issue Climate Migrants The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Conference of the Parties (UNFCCC COP) Covid-19 Requires an End to Environmental Degradation in Rural Habitats Conclusions References 6: Food, Farming and Rural Relationships with the Land Introduction Land Changes and Agriculture People and Their Relationships with the Land Rural Social Work Conclusion References 7: Rurality and Technology Introduction Access and Connectivity Mobility and Technology Technologically Facilitated Communication Technological Potential Risks Skills and Education Future Conclusion References Part III: Community 8: The Trojan Mouse: The Benefits of Social Work Out of Doors Preamble: Patterning Something Different Introduction Our Roles and Relationship Wellbeing and Relationships Flourish Outdoors Social Work and Community Development Forest Families Programme The Families’ Stories as Case Studies Case Study 1: A Parent and Her Son’s Journey Case Study 2: A Cancer Survivor Key Messages from the Case Examples Conclusions: Ponderings and Reflections References 9: Patriarchy, Masculinities and Gender-Based Violence in Rural Communities Masculinity and Its Significance in the Rural Context Negative Manifestations of Rural Masculinity Social Work Interventions in the Rural Context Taking This Forward: Discussion and Conclusion References 10: ‘A Life Worth Living: All My Days’—Rural Social Work with Older People Introduction Rural Social Work Older People Social Work Practice with Older People in Rural Communities Thinking Differently About Ageing Thinking Differently About Social Work Conclusion References 11: Protecting Rural Young People from Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Introduction Contrasting Perceptions... Definitions Part 1: Current Problems and Disadvantages Poverty and Deprivation Other Relevant Issues Scanty Mental Health Services Limited Broadband and Mobile Coverage: Increasing Loss of Public Telephones Lack of Confidentiality, Stigma and Silencing New Risks of County Lines Activity Part 2: What Can Be Done? The Basics... Getting the Basics Right Thinking Positively About Rural Working Part 3: Neighbourhood Mapping for Children’s Safety What Is NMCS? A Summary Limited Broadband and Mobile Coverage; Increasing Loss of Public Telephones NMCS Maps Traditions and Strengths to Build Upon ‘Cultural’ Issues: Barriers to a Safer Environment? Rural Areas May Vary, as Mapping Will Reveal Positive Use of Differences? The Money Problem.... Thoughts on Focused Imagination Other Positive Issues for Rural Communities Contextual Safeguarding Outreach and the Use of Hubs Innovation in County Lines Work Needs-Led, Not Demand-Led, Study of Sexual Crime Conclusion Rural Proofing Including, Not Excluding or Forgetting References 12: Final Words: Social Work and Rural Communities—Reflections and Ways Forward Introduction Emerging Themes Stigma Environment Community Key Cross-Cutting Themes Final Words References Index