GIZ Pakistan’s Post

Letter to the Editor: A Single Mother's Plea for Compassion and Support - Part 2: The Toxic Culture of Stigmatization in Centrelink As a single mother navigating Australia's social services system, I've encountered a disturbing culture of stigmatization within Centrelink that urgently needs addressing. This toxic environment perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines the very purpose of our social support network. Key issues I've observed include: Prevalent stereotypes that misrepresent welfare recipients Dismissive responses from staff that contradict the APS Code of Conduct Severe psychological effects on those seeking assistance Systemic reinforcement of negative attitudes We must challenge these issues through comprehensive staff training, revised performance metrics, and a shift in political discourse. It's time for a compassionate, efficient, and effective social support system that truly serves those in need. #SocialJustice #WelfareReform #Compassion What are your thoughts on improving our social services? Share your experiences or ideas below. https://lnkd.in/gyjZfHde

Kicknosway Apatchitwane Elaine and I, Colleen Hele Cardinal offer training in person (preferably) or virtual. Our training is unqiue and there is no one out there offering the information we have. We have testimonials saying this training is badly needed in all sectors including with our own people! You will learn in depth information about the 60s scoop and it impacted survivors and their children. Discover the truths hidden from Canadians and why the 60s scoop has not been talked about on a national level. Edbendaagzijig (citizens of our nation) is a comprehensive, interactive, positive, and engaging training that should be mandatory for every organization working with Indigenous people. What to expect: How trauma physologically affects the nervous system How to identify trauma symptoms and trigger responses Examine your own bias and how you approach your work Tools to challenge racism - systemic and institutional Anti Indigenous Racism Training Vicarious trauma and the importance of self-care How to create safer, inclusive spaces Who is this training for? If you are working with and offering services to Indigenous people affected directly, indirectly, and intergenerationally by the Sixties Scoop and the child welfare system. Learn how to honor Indigenous perspectives, promote healing, and create inclusive spaces. Empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to support healing and resilience in Indigenous communities. #IndigenousTraumaInformed Watch our short video to learn more about the training. We work with all budgets and can do a sliding scale fee to suit any budgets.

https://lnkd.in/esFdi_jE Its sad to see, in a sector under such pressures, that training for those at the frontline of vital public services would be so heartlessly slashed. #UKGovernment #AdultSocialCare #LocalGovernment

In a session by Arise News, NSCC, Director General Dr Emem Omokaro and Damilola Grillo, Co-Chair Lagos State Stakeholders Consultative Forum on Ageing, speaking on issues affecting Senior Citizens in Nigeria. NSCC recognizes that 70% of senior citizens reside in rural areas and is developing tailored programs for older persons. Despite efforts, challenges persist, including pessimistic perceptions of old age and a lack of sustainable support systems. To empower senior citizens, NSCC has highlighted a strategic plan but its success hinges on partnerships with state governments and stakeholders, which is why a one-day capacity enhancement workshop was organized for State Commissioners and Directors of Social Welfare from the thirty-six states and FCT. Neglect of older persons is evident nationwide with inadequate infrastructure and support systems in place. Urgent action is needed to ensure older persons can age with dignity. By rallying together and advocating for change, we can create a society where senior citizens are respected and supported in the communities.

The Grand Challenge to Eradicate Social Isolation co-authored by Melissa Bessaha, PhD, LMSW, MA, Associate Professor A Must Read for those who champion "social progress powered by science"! The Grand Challenges for Social Work was launched by the American Academy of Social Work & Social Welfare in 2016 to harness the ingenuity, expertise, dedication, and creativity of individuals and organizations within the field of social work and beyond to champion “social progress powered by science.” These briefs can be helpful tools to focus policy advocacy and communicate about solutions with various stakeholders. Please share! Read the full 2024 Policy Recommendations for Meeting the Grand Challenges for Social Work. https://lnkd.in/erhYWkVa

【#Response to Budget Consultation 2024-25】 Plan International Hong Kong welcomes the Financial Secretary’s announcement on the Budget 2024-25 later this month. We hold a deep concern for the allocation of public resources towards the well-being of children. We have proactively submitted our views through the public consultation on the Budget, to advocate for increasing resources to establish a robust safety net for children, while also ensuring their physical and mental health is safeguarded. With regard to the #Budget, we suggest the Government: 🔹Provide sufficient resources to the Education Bureau to develop a "self-protection" curriculum for kindergartens; allocate funds to Hong Kong Police Force to expand the coverage of the Sexual Conviction Record Check; and support Social Welfare Department in implementing Child Safeguarding measures in child-related organisations. 🔹Echoing the Youth Participation Initiative launched by the Government in the 2023 Policy Address, deploying resources to organise empowerment activities for children, so as to cultivate children's ability to participate in district affairs at an early age. 👉Full Response to Budget 2024-25: https://bit.ly/4buBTm8 #PlanInternational #ChildSafeguarding #ChildSafeguardingPolicy #Budget2024

Research funded by the British Council and Nuffield Foundation and led by Dr Sarah Nason at Bangor University has been published. The research examined the advice-seeking behaviours of people in four case-study areas, and how access to advice services interacts with community connectedness, wellbeing and (in)equality. The case study areas were Deeplish in Greater Manchester, Bryngwran in Anglesey, Dartmouth in Devon and the London Borough of Hackney. The research team included Lindsey Poole and Faith Osifo at Advice Services Alliance. The report highlights the importance of community-embedded, culturally sensitive services, and locally based in-person services. Researchers found that local advice strategies have failed to improve provision, and that there are limits to the benefits of social networks, strong communities, and effective advice provision for ensuring access to justice. It contains recommendations for UK and Welsh Governments, local authorities and the advice sector. These include the provision of sustainable funding via grant-aid, resolving the causes of common social welfare problems and strengthening access to community help and the importance of community engagement, place-based provision and workforce diversity. https://lnkd.in/ehbvrDZX

‼️ Boot Camps are Harmful ‼️ The Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care has highlighted the systemic issues and failures that have historically plagued institutions like boot camps. Their findings underscore the significant harm these environments can inflict, particularly on Māori, who are overrepresented in such programs. The Commission’s report details how punitive approaches contribute to ongoing trauma and social dislocation, further entrenching cycles of disadvantage and offending. I urge Iwi and community agencies to consider the harmful effects of boot camps before engaging in the punitive government led and designed strategy. We need to invest in evidence informed interventions that focus on healing and support, which are designed by Māori for Māori. These approaches have been shown to be more effective in addressing the underlying causes of youth offending and supporting long-term positive outcomes. It’s time to prioritise what works over what sounds tough. #YouthJustice #EvidenceBasedPolicy #NewZealand #SocialJustice https://lnkd.in/gh3VRs9w

Thank you so much for those who have signed. This is going to be a marathon, not a sprint! So if you have not signed and shared yet, we still have time. We have scheduled meetings with people in decision making positions and have a meeting scheduled with a lobbyist to help support this important mission! I’m hoping to have as many signatures as possible prior to these meetings at the end of the month. We are most interested in: Creating more safeguards/protocols for welfare checks and mental health crisis interventions. Exploring possible avenues to participate in favorable change to help educate, support and ultimately save lives. This could look like: More education for police officers, politicians, and people in positions of power, influence and authority Introduction to mental health first aid, crisis response and deescalation, it could look like policy change for safety planning, petitioning and follow up. Exploring potential redistribution of funds to agencies/organizations who are going to do the work effectively, efficiently, safely while increasing the requirements for resource based support. Increased access to care #mentalhealth #SuicideAwareness #changeisgood #endthestigma #education #dosomething #accesstocare #education #petition https://lnkd.in/gNXRd45x

The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) is reshaping the narrative around ageing, shifting the focus from mere welfare issues to comprehensive social development concerns. Older persons are viewed as valuable contributors to society, rather than passive recipients of assistance. NSCC is forging partnerships with state governments to enhance the quality of life for senior citizens. Instead of limited palliative measures, NSCC advocates for holistic interventions that address the multifaceted needs of older persons. Dr. Emem Omokaro, Director General of NSCC, is spearheading efforts to engage Hon. Commissioners across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). Through orientation sessions and capacity enhancement meetings, NSCC aims to share its strategic roadmap on ageing and the National Plan of Action. This includes initiatives related to health and social care, income security, and capacity building. NSCC is facilitating dialogue between state governments to exchange insights on the unique challenges faced by older persons in different regions. By fostering collaboration, NSCC seeks to design tailored support systems that ensure sustainable institutionalization of interventions. Plans are underway for a high-level gathering of decision-makers and technocrats in Abuja to discuss ageing programs. This convergence aims to catalyze efforts towards achieving equity and inclusion for older persons nationwide. #EquityAndInclusion #NSCCandStatesPartnerships #AgeingWithDignity #SocialDevelopment #SeniorCitizens #WelfareReform