Outputs

Professor Alan Walker and colleagues published a piece in The Guardian addressing the severe gaps in social care provision across the UK. They argue that the crisis stems from chronic underfunding, workforce shortages, and the undervaluation of care work. The authors call for a national care strategy that ensures adequate funding, better pay and conditions for care workers, and a shift towards integrated care systems. They stress the importance of treating social care as a critical public service, essential for both societal well-being and economic stability.

You can find the full article - https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/14/how-to-fill-the-huge-gaps-in-social-care-provision

Professor Majella Kilkey published a piece in The Conversation about the collapse in the number of visas granted to migrant care workers following the previous government's decision to stop most care workers from overseas bringing family members with them. Majella rightly predicted at the time of the government's announcement that migrant workers would simply stop coming. In her latest piece, Majella points out that the new Labour government, committed to reducing net migration, does not plan to overturn the restrictions on bringing dependants, despite the urgency of the crisis facing social care in the country. 

You can find the full article - https://theconversation.com/why-are-so-many-of-englands-care-workers-migrants-238160

The earlier piece predicting a fall in the number of migrant care workers can be found here - https://centreforcare.ac.uk/commentary/2023/12/taking-back-control-of-our-borders/

Professor Alan Walker published a piece in The Guardian advocating for a shift in societal priorities to ensure good health for everyone in later life. Walker highlights the growing inequalities in health as people age, exacerbated by systemic neglect and policy failures. He emphasizes that achieving health equity in old age is not only a matter of fairness but also essential for sustainable development. His article calls for comprehensive policies to address the social determinants of health and foster an inclusive approach to ageing, stressing the urgent need for action as populations continue to age rapidly.

You can find the full article - https://www.theguardian.com/science/article/2024/aug/27/good-health-for-everyone-in-later-life-should-be-our-goal

Exhibition "Blurring the Edges: social frontiers as places of encounter" is a creative response to "Life at the Frontier '' project by local artists Lora Krasteva and Uzma Rani. Research with a community in Rotherham West was led by Dr Aneta Piekut, with involvement of Dr Henry Staples and support of local community broker - Dr Zanib Rassol. 

“Blurring the Edges…” work involved performance, visual art, augmented reality, conversation and a short film. Using multiple senses to evoke emotion whilst educating and entertaining audiences, it was the interrogation of boundaries, a perspective on the migrant/non-migrant experience. The film ‘Blurring the Edges’ - a part of the exhibition - was co-produced with artists and community collaborators, showcases community leaders who benefited from the opportunity to come together during consultation and dissemination events of the still ongoing project.

Resources:

Krasteva L., & Rani U. (2023). 'Blurring the Edges', Multi-sensory Performance, 7 September 2023, Rotherham: https://www.lorakrasteva.com/social-frontiers.

Piekut A., Staples H., Pryce G., & Rasool Z. (2024). Social Frontiers and Community Life in Rotherham West. 'Life at the Frontier' Research Briefing 1. The University of Sheffield. Report: https://doi.org/10.15131/shef.data.25027763.

Sánchez Marín D., Piekut A., Pryce G., Staples H., Rasool Z., Krasteva L, Rani U. (2023). 'Blurring the Edges' film. The University of Sheffield Player: https://player.sheffield.ac.uk/events/blurring-edges-rotherham.

Dr Joanne Britton has had a new book published by Bristol University Press. Informed by decolonizing perspectives, Understanding Muslim Family Life engages with conceptual and theoretical debates in both the sociology of family and relationships and ethnic and racial studies to fill a gap in understanding about the arrangement, conduct and experience of Muslim family life. It explores the enduring significance of family to Muslims in a society in which Muslims are a minoritized group and narrow, stigmatizing perspectives informing dominant understanding of Muslim families.

Find more about the book here - https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/understanding-muslim-family-life

Professor Majella Kilkey from the University of Sheffield writes in the Sociological Studies Research Blog about policies aiming to reduce migration after Brexit. The UK has seen a rise in social care workers migrating from outside the European Union, but the recent decision to stop these workers from bringing family members marks a shift from the rights and entitlements accorded to workers previously migrating from the European Union under Freedom of Movement. Majella Kilkey highlights the impacts of the decision on migrant care workers, their families and their countries of origin, as well as on recruitment to the UK's social care sector. 

Photo by Metin Ozer on Unsplash 

A film was released this past month (July 2023) showcasing SACMHA (Sheffield African Caribbean Mental Health Association) services. It provides an overview of the importance of this charitable organisation. SACMHA was established in 1988 due to a rising need for health and social care for people of African and Caribbean descent. The film was produced by Rosa Cisneros and Maria Polodenau in collaboration with SACMHA and the project "Collaborating with Communities: Considering Ethics, lived experience and Research" led by Dr Rachael Black Impact Specialist at the Centre for Care and Sarah Howson at the University of Sheffield.

Olga Fuseini and Lois Orton from the University of Sheffield write in the Sociological Studies Research Blog about the importance of International Roma Day, which is celebrated annually on 8th of April. They highlight the history of Roma oppression, resistance and flourishing, with personal reflections from Olga about her experience of moving from the Czech Republic to the UK.

Professor Majella Kilkey from the University of Sheffield writes to the Sociological Studies Research Blog about the role of place in ageing considering the recent events. She reflects on her own research and the effects of loneliness and care amplified by a hostile environment.

"The Roma Health Stories project uses a range of participatory and creative approaches in partnership with Roma populations in England and the Czech Republic to explore how Roma knowledge might challenge dominant understandings of their health." - Roma Health Stories website

The project was awarded by Wellcome Trust and is led by Dr Lois Orton.