BASW Cymru Practice Workshop: Importance of self-care, supervision and support in the Welsh Context.

In the Welsh context, self-care, supervision, and support are essential for sustaining ethical, resilient, and effective social work practice. They directly impact practitioner well-being, decision-making quality, and outcomes for individuals and communities. In Wales, self-care, supervision, and support are not luxuries—they are professional responsibilities. They ensure that social workers can deliver ethical, effective, and compassionate care in a complex and demanding environment.

Presented by Nicola Howard: Nicola is a highly experienced social worker, Approved Mental Health Professional (AMHP), and educator with over two decades of practice in statutory mental health and social care services. She previously undertook the role as Co-director of the AMHP Programme at Swansea University, where she led postgraduate training and curriculum development for future AMHPs across Wales. Her frontline experience spans both adult and children’s services, with a particular focus on crisis intervention, neurodivergent assessments, and safeguarding. Nicola has worked extensively on Emergency Duty Teams, conducting out-of-hours mental health assessments and managing high-risk situations with professionalism and compassion. Nicola’s practice is grounded in trauma-informed, rights-based approaches, and she is a passionate advocate for ethical decision-making in mental health law. She co-founded Joining Dots, a specialist consultancy offering holistic assessments, training, and supervision for professionals working with neurodivergent individuals and families. She holds multiple postgraduate qualifications in social work, AMHP practice, and professional development, and is widely respected for her contributions to AMHP education, reflective supervision, and inclusive practice.