Co-authoring this policy brief with such brilliant colleagues was a real pleasure. It brings together creative and participatory projects that highlight shared thinking on how social and health care must grow and evolve.

As part of my role at @heriotwattuni.bsky.social, I'm attending the @scottishautism.bsky.social Centre for Practice, Policy and Innovation Launch Event today. Absolutely amazing to see all the collective, proactive and pioneering work being done by our colleagues and partners 👐💪

Today felt like an 'I've made it' moment. Listening to the excited chatter of students discussing creative social work and what inspires / nourishes them was a true joy. So grateful for the opportunity to facilitate these conversations and to be working alongside @aroeschmarsh.bsky.social & Molly 🤍🌿

Finalising the ethics application for phase 2 of my arts-informed participatory PhD study feels like finishing a marathon I didn’t train for. I’ll be sleeping for a week once it’s submitted... or staring at a wall. Weirdly valuable, but ethics really is its own art form!

I WILL FINISH THIS.

Just like that - back to the grind after an amazingly restorative break! I can't say that I stopped thinking/mulling over/having shots of anxiety about the PhD, but does that ever go away? Either way, I've started off slow by sorting out my diary for the semester ahead and making a wee work plan.

The MacQueen Scholarship is open for applications! I’ve been lucky enough to benefit from this opportunity, and I’d highly encourage anyone passionate about social work research to apply. A fantastic chance to make an impact!

Honestly, it didn’t take much thought - I’ve moved over to Bluesky. That other platform was once great for connection and dialogue but has become too hostile and divisive. I'm hoping Bluesky offers a kinder, more supportive space for networking and sharing knowledge and news. How exciting! 😄