KINGSLEY UGWUMBA

As my social work clinical placement at the Steele Haughton Inpatient Acute Unit at Grampians Health is ongoing until September, I had the opportunity to be part of the social work team in supporting individuals experiencing acute mental health challenges. My role involved attending psychosocial assessments to gain a comprehensive understanding of each consumer's circumstances, strengths, and barriers, which directly informed intervention planning and holistic care. I observed the team's process for developing discharge and long-term recovery plans, which ensures consumers have access to appropriate housing, community mental health support, and essential services upon leaving the unit. Emphasis was placed on supporting social reintegration through linking consumers to volunteering opportunities, community programs, and peer-support networks, promoting meaningful connections post-discharge. I played a role in coordinating and attending care team meetings with the guidance of my supervisor. Psychosocial education was vital as I experienced the team educating consumers about available supports, advocating for access to services, and supporting their self-determination during their admission. Working within a multidisciplinary team, I collaborated with psychiatrists, nurses, occupational therapists, and lived experience workers to deliver trauma-informed, person-centred care. This cross-sectoral collaboration enhanced the quality and continuity of care, allowing me to understand the interplay of clinical, social, and systemic factors in mental health recovery.

I worked collaboratively with young people to co-design and deliver a variety of major community youth events, including Youth Week, PopCon, and the Ballarat Youth Awards. These events not only amplified the voices of youth but also encouraged civic participation throughout the region, engaging the community in meaningful ways. I collaborated effectively with the Youth Police to implement proactive engagement programs at Ballarat bus stations after lunch. This partnership fostered positive relationships and helped create safer public spaces for young people. I developed project plans and community engagement strategies aimed at reaching disengaged youth, focusing on their empowerment, access to services, and inclusion. By building strong, trust-based relationships with at-risk youth, we directly contributed to increased school re-engagement, reduced interactions with the justice system, and improved access to support networks. These positive outcomes instill a sense of hope for the future.

As an active member of the International Student Committee, I consistently demonstrated leadership, cultural sensitivity, and a strong commitment to student well-being. My contributions as a member include organising and coordinating welcome events, orientation sessions, and campus tours that helped new international students feel welcomed and supported during their transition to university life.
Providing peer support by directing new students to the appropriate academic services, lecture venues, and student support teams, ensuring a smoother integration into university systems.
Collaborating with fellow committee members and university staff to advocate for inclusive policies and initiatives that addressed key student concerns, including academic access, housing, and mental health resources.
Recognised for my proactive communication skills, teamwork, and ability to foster a sense of belonging among culturally diverse student populations.

During my Master of Social Work placement with the City of Ballarat Youth Services, I was responsible for developing a comprehensive and updated Youth Profile for the region, a significant contribution, as the previous profile had not been revised since 2021. This project involved designing and implementing a research framework that captured the current experiences, challenges, and needs of young people aged 12 to 15 within the Ballarat community. I conducted direct consultations with young people to ensure their voices were central to the profile and engaged with various council departments and external stakeholders to gather accurate and relevant data. Through structured interviews, surveys, and collaborative meetings, I collected both qualitative and quantitative insights relating to education, mental health, housing, recreation, and social inclusion. The final Youth Profile served as an evidence-based tool to inform future program development, funding proposals, and youth engagement strategies across the municipality. This experience enhanced my skills in research, stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and advocacy, while reinforcing the importance of youth-centred policy and practice in local government planning.