Insights

Evidence summary which looks at the prevention of isolation and loneliness, with a particular focus on what practitioners should bear in mind.

Based on a report prepared for ADSW at the time of the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Bill, this Insight seeks to distill key evidence to assist health and social care partnerships in Scotland in their delivery of integrated care and support.

Explores what story and storytelling is, and whether autobiographical, first-person storytelling has a valuable impact on practice, and can engender positive, meaningful change for individuals who access support. It examines how storytelling has been used across social services to date, considers its value, and highlights some considerations for those creating and using stories.

Reviews the evidence about how food practices affect children in different care settings, drawing heavily from the experience of children in foster and residential care.

Examines the research and literature about self-harm and suicide among children in care and care leavers.

Draws on evidence in relation to advocacy with both children and adults and on literature from the fields of health and social care. It outlines the key elements of the most prevalent models of advocacy and identifies good practice, as well as the limitations of advocacy models.

A summary that defines spirituality, the links between person-centred care, dignity and spiritual care and implications for practice.

Considers what can be learned from existing research on self-directed support, related initiatives and experience elsewhere.

Examine definitions and approaches to organisational culture and how they relate to the public sector; the type of change that identifies as cultural; what the enablers are to culture change; and describe some of the challenges to changing cultures in the public sector.

Provides an overview of the research evidence on effective strengths based approaches for working with individuals and presents selected illustrative examples.