Nursing in a global pandemic: the challenges of Covid19 in the International Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020

Social work and social care professions have been at the forefront of the pandemic and therefore, this book is a collection of the voices, experiences and reflections of social work and social care practitioners, students, academics, researchers and children and young people. It includes more than 100 contributions and reflections across 31 chapters. It also includes good practice guidance, indications for recognising trauma and adopting a trauma-informed approach including some of the direct tools used by practitioners during the pandemic. Given the large number and wide range of contributions, this book captures an overview of the impact of the pandemic on practice and in the lives of children and families. The pandemic has shed light more than before, on the many inequalities in our society and the experiences and reflections in this book evidence some of its impact as well as how practitioners through their generosity, creativity and caring humanity have found new and hybrid ways of bridging the disruptive gaps and mitigating the impact of a covid-19 pandemic to safeguard young people’s wellbeing and ensure continuity of care and support for children, adults and families. Social work and social care practitioners have given of their self and well-being to meet the basic needs and ensure the safety and relational and emotional wellbeing of the most vulnerable children, adults and families in our society. This book is a reflection of their actions, experiences and perspective and a celebration of their selfless dedication to the greater good and incredible sacrifice and achievements during the covid-19 pandemic and in a society beset by systemic inequalities and increasing divisions that tear at its fabric and challenge its very sense of civility. Although the covid-19 pandemic has been a collective experience of trauma on an individual, social and global scale, its impact and experience have been as diverse and unequal as individuals and families within and across societies. Indeed, the pandemic and its impact have been most devastating for those experiencing existing challenges, vulnerabilities or inequalities. However, this book demonstrates how physical distancing does not have to result in relational distancing and how practitioners’ dedication, creativity and focus on care and humanity bridged the physical constraints to support and maintain the emotional, social and relational bonds that weave the fabric of our societies. Hence, this book is a tribute and a token of profound gratitude for all they have done and continue to do for all of us. All the proceeds from this book go to a children’s charity