Self-care- part of professionalism in social service field. Self-care guide video for social service professionals.

Abstract

ABSTRACT Carita Viklund-Gee Self-care- part of professionalism in social service field. Self-care guide video for social service professionals. 43p., 3 appendices November, 2021 Diaconia University of Applied Sciences Bachelor of Social Services Bachelor`s Degree in Social Services

Social service professionals are providing empathy, understanding and a place for their clients to share intense life stories. The work can be burdening and there fore, we also need to focus on professionals’ self-care and provide them with tools on how to look after their holistic wellbeing. This way they can recharge their resources and continue to empower their clients within good wellbeing.

The aim of the thesis was to produce a self-care guide video to promote a valuable topic of self-care amongst social service professionals. The thesis aims to provide practical tips on how to practise self-care. This product-based thesis was carried out in collaboration with working life partner Kanta-Hämeen Perhetyö ry.

The thesis work arose from the concern that the employees of Kanta-Hämeen Perhetyö ry had challenges in recovering from the burden of their work. The aim of this product was to encourage the employees to engage in self-care to enhance their wellbeing and recovery and therefore have a better holistic wellbeing.

The material for this video was collected with a questionnaire from the employees of Kanta-Hämeen Perhetyö ry and video was compiled based on this information. The video is benefiting Kanta-Hämeen Perhetyö ry by reinforcing their aim to support the wellbeing of their employees and encourage the employee involve ment in the process of looking after one´s health and wellness.

The results of this product-based project were successful. The set objectives were reached. The major output, a video was produced and published. The pro duct received an evaluation from the working life partner with positive feedback, especially on the aspects of bringing up the awareness of self-care and providing practical tips. It can be concluded that self-care is a crucial part of professionalism whilst practising social service work and tools to support self-care are needed.

This video will further continue to influence caring professionals via social media platforms and increase the knowledge about self-care as part of professionalism. In a larger scale this video will ideally benefit other target groups besides social service professionals, such as therapists and nurses, who are also working in a caring profession.

Keywords: social work, self-care, wellbeing, work-related stress