Summary

Over the years, we have seen drastic developments in technology which has altered the ways we interact with each other and the community. Social media platforms have expanded, gadgets/devices are available at our fingertips, and activities have moved online. The covid-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of pivoting, adapting, and utilizing the many benefits that technology provides us e.g., accessibility to attend services, comfort in engaging in services, and availability of services.\ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \ \  Although there have been large improvements in accessibility to services and resources with the evolution of technology, the digitized world has increased harm to individuals experiencing intimate partner violence. Today, we are going to look at how the growth in technology has changed the way people are being abused and the reality that regulations and laws have not caught up with the advances in technology.\ \ Changes in technology have led to 1) new ways to harass a partner/ex partner- cyberbullying, cyber stalking, sexual harassment, posting of personal information etc. 2) Increased ways to monitor a partner/ex partner- GPS tracking, access to people's search history, banking information, emails, passwords etc. 3) Social media triggers- automatic display of "memories" on social media profiles.\ \ Solutions to these concerns can include 1) more opt in options vs. automatically opting into specific service options e.g., tracking services, locations being "on", being reminded of specific things on social media etc. 2) More safeguards related to ads/conversations e.g., less tracking on what someone searches/vocalizes that show up when using a device. 3) Notifications when accounts are made with the same name/image. We must ensure that prevention and safety strategies evolve with technology.\ 

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Summary

\ Canada’s commitment to diversity must extend beyond rhetoric to concrete social action supporting vulnerable groups. This presentation examines results from a national survey of Ukrainians displaced by russian aggression who came to Canada under the CUAET program. It highlights their challenges, needs and messages to inform social action promoting their integration and wellbeing.The survey uplifts displaced Ukrainians’ voices. It gathers critical data on their motivations for choosing Canada, experiences accessing services, social connections, language abilities, and information sources. Participants identify key difficulties faced and supports needed in areas like housing, transportation, healthcare, and employment.These survey findings underscore the importance of social action tailored to Ukrainians’ expressed concerns. They provide vital insights to social work educators and communities around the world who stand with Ukraine to mobilize government, community organizations, and everyday citizens to facilitate Ukrainians’ adjustment through policy reforms, advocacy, programming, resources, inclusion efforts and public education.Respecting diversity requires moving beyond rhetoric to stand in concrete solidarity with displaced groups seeking refuge. Through coordination, advocacy and allyship, Canadians can demonstrate deep respect for the humanity, worth and dignity of those fleeing turmoil. This presentation invites discussion on implementing survey findings through social action to help Ukrainian newcomers thrive, not just survive in Canada and globally.\ 

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Stand with Ukraine, CUAET, Canada

Summary

Social workers’ level of stress and burnout are among the highest within the helping professions. The aim of the current study was to test the effectiveness of an 8 weeks online Mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) on social workers’ perceived stress, burnout, coping, resilience, mental wellbeing, mindfulness and professional quality of life.An online 8 weeks MBI among 28 registered social workers from Romania was carried out between March-May 2023., as part of a randomized controlled trial. Paired Samples t-Tests compared pre-post intervention for variables of interest.\ The highest impact of MBI was on burnout (work-related burnout\ (M=42.19\ vs.\ M=33.33, p=0.003, 0.53 effect size,\ Cohen’s d 0.62,\ personal burnout (M=47,53\ vs.\ M=37,80, p=0.008, 0.49 effect size; Cohen’s d 0.552, client-related burnout (M=27.77 vs. M=20.06, p=0,016, 0,45 effect size; Cohen’s d 0,495.), perceived stress\ (M=0,4024\ –\ vs. M=0,3028 p=0,006, 0.50 effect size; Cohen’s d 0.570),\ resilience\ (perception-of-self dimension (M = 24.85\ vs.\ M = 26.37), p=0.006, 0.50 effect size,\ Cohen’s d -0.573,\ perception of the future (M = 16.59 vs. M\ = 17.70, p=0.010, 0.48 effect size; Cohen’s d -0,539 and\ social competence, (M=24.11 vs. M=25.85, p=0.029, 0.41 effect size; Cohen’s d -0.444.),\ wellbeing (M=27,75\ vs.\ M=29,10, t(27)= -2.718, p=.011, with 0,46 effect size; Cohen’s d -0,514), Professional Quality of Life (Compassion fatigue (M=22,25, vs. M=19,33, p = 0.036, 0.39 effect size; Cohen’s d 0,425) and Compassion satisfaction (M=40.85 vs. M=43.03, p = 0.031, 0.40 effect size; Cohen’s d -0,440). No statistically significant changes were recorded for coping, mindfulness and some dimensions of resilience.\ Online MBI are effective in reducing burnout, stress, compassion fatigue and increasing mental wellbeing, resilience and compassion satisfaction, but not on coping. MBI could be expanded to alleviate the negative impact of work-related stress and burnout on social workers’ mental health, but also to improve their resilience and wellbeing.

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mindfulness-based intervention, online, stress, burnout, randomised controlled trial, social workers, mental wellbeing