BASW England Kent Branch - Unheard, Anxious, Solitary, Confused – Revisited: Listening to young asylum seekers, Learning from lived experience, Changing practice.

In November 2024, the BASW Kent Branch hosted Unheard, Anxious, Solitary, Confused, an inspiring event exploring Jeremy’s experience of arriving in the UK as an unaccompanied child at the age of 14 and the lessons his journey offers for social work practice.

We are delighted to invite you to this follow-up event with the Young Lives Foundation, showcasing how lived experience continues to inform and improve support for separated young people.

Over the past year, 50 separated young people across Kent and Medway have shared their reflections on the support they received while in care and as care leavers in the UK. Foster carers and a specialist social worker have also contributed their perspectives, helping to build a richer understanding of what makes a positive difference in the lives of young people.

During this session, we will share the key themes emerging from the project, including the young people’s own Top Five Qualities that they believe adults supporting them should demonstrate.

The event will feature contributions from young people involved in the project, alongside foster carers and social workers. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from those with lived and professional experience, reflect on the implications for practice, and engage in discussion through a question-and-answer session.

This promises to be a thought-provoking and valuable event for social workers, students, foster carers, and anyone working alongside children and young people. Join us to explore how listening to lived experience can strengthen relationships, improve support, and shape more effective practice.

If you have any queries please contact events@basw.co.uk.

If you’re not yet a BASW member, now’s the perfect time to join. Membership starts from just £5.39 a month and gives you access to this training, plus a huge range of BASW events, at a significantly reduced rate. It’s a great way to invest in your professional growth while connecting with a supportive community. Learn more here: https://basw.co.uk/why-join-basw