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Shelly Skinner: Champion for Grieving Families and 2021 Westfield Local Hero
Table of Contents
- Shelly Skinner: Champion for Grieving Families and 2021 Westfield Local Hero
- A Career Dedicated to Social Work
- Lionheart Camp for Kids: Addressing a Critical Gap
- A Typical day: Varied and Impactful
- Advice for Aspiring Social Workers
- Finding Balance: Unwinding After Work
- Championing Grief: An In-depth Conversation on Supporting Bereaving Families
- Unlocking Hope: A Heartfelt Conversation on Supporting Grieving Families
Shelly Skinner, a dedicated social worker recognized with the John Curtin Medal in 2020 and the Westfield Local Hero award in 2021, is profoundly impacting the lives of grieving children, teens, and families. A 2001 graduate of The University of western Australia with a Bachelor of Social Work, Skinner has committed her career to supporting individuals and families navigating challenging life circumstances, especially in oncology, palliative care, acquired brain injury, spinal injury, and emergency medicine. Her passion extends to educating families, educators, health professionals, and the broader community about end-of-life wishes and bereavement.
Shelly Skinner’s journey in social work is rooted in a deep desire to empower people. Her work centers on helping individuals explore their life goals, communicate their end-of-life wishes to family and health professionals, and address their needs during grief and bereavement. Her extensive experience spans various critical areas of health care, both in Western Australia and the United Kingdom.
Skinner’s career highlights include 15 years at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and perth Children’s Hospital, where she worked in Intensive care, Palliative Care, Oncology, and Emergency medicine. She describes this period with fondness, stating she loved every single day of it.
Lionheart Camp for Kids: Addressing a Critical Gap
Driven by a desire to address the inequality in support services for children facing different types of illnesses, Skinner, along with colleague Belinda Dilena, founded Lionheart Camp for Kids. Skinner observed a significant disparity: children diagnosed with cancer and their families receive support from numerous charities and community organizations, offering practical, financial, emotional, spiritual, and psychological assistance. However, families facing other life-threatening illnesses often lack such extensive support.
The greatest challenge I have encountered is the inequality of services, funding and support of those receiving cancer care and those receiving non-cancer care. If your child is diagnosed with or is dying from a cancer, on top of the multidisciplinary team at the hospital, there are more than 10 charities and community organisations to support all members of the family… If your child is diagnosed with or is dying from any other cause there is no more than one charity or organisation, outside of the hospital team, offering support to this family.
Lionheart Camp for Kids aims to bridge this gap by providing free support to all children, teens, families, and grandparents in Western Australia, irrespective of the illness or cause of death. Their services extend to schools as well, ensuring a thorough network of care for those in need.
We now support all children, teens, families, grandparents and schools, regardless of who in the family is sick, what type of illness they are dying from, how they died, where they live in WA and our services are free to all families.
Skinner views this support as an essential health care need and is proud of her team’s efforts to make it accessible to all citizens of Western Australia.
A Typical day: Varied and Impactful
skinner’s daily work life is anything but routine. She emphasizes the unique nature of each individual and family she supports, requiring tailored plans and approaches. Her responsibilities include delivering professional growth for her team and other organizations, connecting with support groups, meeting with donors and board members, and managing the day-to-day operations of Lionheart.
I’m not sure there is a typical day! In the land of social work, every day is different and every individual that you work with is different, with a unique set of needs wich require a unique plan of support… Whatever the day brings, I must say that I love every minute of it!
Reflecting on her career, Skinner offers valuable advice to those embarking on their own journeys in social work. She stresses the importance of giving one’s best effort in every interaction and intervention,regardless of perceived limitations.
There will always be someone with more experience than you, someone with better skills than you and someone with more knowledge than you, this is not significant. What is important and will make a difference is to give every person,every intervention and every day your best. There are endless ways to make a difference in this world; go ahead and make your difference, it will be just what the world needs.
Finding Balance: Unwinding After Work
Despite her demanding career, Skinner finds time to unwind and enjoy family life. She cherishes moments spent with her husband, watching their children and puppy swim, even amidst the typical chaos of family life.
I enjoy sitting with my husband,sipping a glass of wine and watching our kids and our puppy swim in the swimming pool – in the moments I am not nagging about homework,tripping on wet towels discarded around the house and breaking up sibling rivalry 😊
Championing Grief: An In-depth Conversation on Supporting Bereaving Families
The disparity in support for grieving families extends far beyond what most people realize. It’s not just about the loss itself; it’s the systemic inequalities that exacerbate the pain.
interviewer: Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in palliative care and bereavement support, welcome. Shelly Skinner’s remarkable work with grieving families has garnered notable attention. Can you tell us about the broader context of her contributions to the field of grief counseling and bereavement support?
Dr. Carter: thank you for having me. Shelly Skinner’s dedication to supporting grieving children, teens, and families is truly exemplary.Her work highlights a critical need frequently overlooked: the systemic inequalities in grief support services. While many resources exist for families dealing with cancer, for example, those grappling with loss due to other life-threatening illnesses or traumatic events often face significant gaps in access to emotional, practical, and financial assistance. Shelly’s advocacy and the establishment of Lionheart Camp for Kids directly address this crucial disparity. Her contributions extend beyond direct service,impacting the professional development of other social workers and educating communities about end-of-life planning and bereavement.
Understanding the Landscape of Grief Support
Interviewer: what are some of the major challenges faced by families navigating grief, notably concerning the unequal distribution of resources, which you alluded to?
Dr. Carter: One major challenge is the lack of awareness. Many people believe that grief is a personal journey and are hesitant to seek help for themselves or their children; this can isolate families during their vulnerable moments. We experience a deficiency in thorough bereavement support, moving beyond simple counseling toward a holistic approach that addresses practical needs, financial concerns, and the social adjustment problems that loss brings. Access to specialized grief counseling also presents a problem, especially for individuals in rural areas or those with limited financial resources. The stigma surrounding grief hinders many people from seeking appropriate care, delaying healing and increasing the risk of mental health complications. Shelley’s work directly challenges this paradigm by delivering care and support to the whole family unit,a strategy vital to the health and well-being of all individuals. Moreover, the lack of integration of grief support services into existing health care systems leaves significant gaps in both recognition and care.
the Essential Role of Community-Based Initiatives
interviewer: Lionheart Camp for Kids is clearly a beacon of hope in this landscape. What makes this type of community-based initiative so crucial in addressing the needs of grieving families?
Dr. Carter: Community-based initiatives like Lionheart Camp for Kids are paramount because they fill the vital gaps left by traditional health care systems. They provide a safe and supportive habitat for grieving families to connect,share their experiences,and access tailored support. These programs often offer a range of services,including group therapy,individual counseling,peer support groups,educational workshops,and recreational activities. These various elements work together to foster emotional resilience, normalize the grieving process, and provide coping tools for a healthy adaptation. The community aspect forms a support network, encouraging connection and belonging for those who struggle with isolation. This sense of community can be a life-line, reminding families they’re not alone. The holistic approach adopted by Lionheart camp for Kids is also significant, supporting families not just emotionally, but also through practical assistance, financial aid, and educational resources. This is vital for those living with the additional strain of illness-related costs or bureaucratic complications.
Practical Steps for Improving Grief Support systems
Interviewer: What concrete steps can individuals, organizations, and policymakers take to improve access to effective grief support and reduce inequalities?
Dr. Carter: Let’s consider the following key steps:
- Increased Funding: Dedicated financial support for community-based grief support programs and initiatives like Lionheart Camp for Kids is crucial for expansion and sustainability.
- Improved Professional Training: Adequate education and training for health care professionals, social workers, educators, and community leaders in recognizing and responding effectively to grief across diverse population groups is needed.
- Reduced Social stigma: Public awareness campaigns to destigmatize grief and encourage help-seeking behaviors can create considerable change.
- Integration of Services: Integrating bereavement support into health care systems and ensuring access through the mainstream medical services would reduce barriers to care.
- Personalized Support: Recognition of the unique needs of diverse communities, people facing loss due to various circumstances, and the importance of culturally sensitive approaches are vital for creating effective intervention strategies.
- Early Intervention: For young children, the introduction of programs promoting emotional health and well-being from a young age can shape resilience and coping tools for the future.
Interviewer: Dr. Carter, thank you for these insightful perspectives. Shelly Skinner’s work, and the work of organizations like Lionheart Camp for kids is a testament to the power of compassion, community, and innovative approaches in supporting grieving families.Your insights today offer vital guidance to our readers on understanding, addressing, and advocating for better access to grief support services. What
Unlocking Hope: A Heartfelt Conversation on Supporting Grieving Families
Did you know that the support available to grieving families varies drastically depending on the cause of death? This inequality leaves many struggling in silence.
Interviewer: Welcome, Dr. Eleanor Vance, leading expert in child bereavement and family support systems. Shelly Skinner’s remarkable work, profiled recently, highlights a critical gap in grief support services. Can you provide context to the broader implications of her compassionate work?
Dr. Vance: Thank you for having me. Shelly Skinner’s achievements are truly commendable. Her work shines a spotlight on a systemic issue: the unequal distribution of resources for families experiencing loss. While considerable support exists for children with cancer and their families—through numerous charities and community organizations offering practical, financial, emotional, and spiritual aid— families navigating loss due to other life-threatening illnesses or traumatic events often lack this extensive network. Shelly’s dedication, particularly in establishing Lionheart Camp for Kids, directly confronts this inequality, expanding access to crucial emotional, practical, and financial assistance that is often lacking.Her contribution extends beyond direct service; she champions professional advancement among social workers and educates communities on end-of-life planning and bereavement support.
The Complexities of Grief and Bereavement Support
Interviewer: What are the major hurdles families face when navigating grief,especially regarding unequal access to coping mechanisms and support?
Dr. Vance: Several significant challenges contribute to this disparity. Lack of awareness is a primary factor; many beleive grief is a personal journey, hesitant to seek help, leading to isolation during already vulnerable times. We also see a deficiency in holistic bereavement support, extending beyond basic counseling to encompass practical needs, financial concerns, and the often-overlooked social adjustments following loss. Access to specialized grief counseling also remains a significant obstacle, particularly for those in rural areas or with limited financial resources. Adding complexity, the stigma surrounding grief deters many from seeking care, delaying healing and increasing the risk of mental health complications. Shelley’s approach, comprehensively supporting the entire family unit, is vital; this holistic care addresses the emotional, practical, and social needs simultaneously, a critically crucial strategy for well-being. the lack of integration between grief support services and existing healthcare systems leaves considerable gaps in both the recognition and provision of critical care.
The Indispensable Role of Community-Based Grief Support
Interviewer: Lionheart Camp for Kids is a remarkable example of a successful community-based initiative. Why are such programs vital in addressing the needs of grieving families?
Dr. Vance: Community-based initiatives like Lionheart Camp for kids are crucial because they effectively bridge the gaps left by traditional healthcare systems. They create safe and supportive environments for grieving families to connect, share experiences, and access tailored assistance. These programs meticulously offer a range of services, including group therapy, individual counseling, peer support groups, educational workshops, and recreational activities—a holistic approach is key. These combined elements foster emotional resilience, normalize the grieving process, and empower families with effective coping strategies. The inherent community aspect creates a crucial support network, mitigating feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of belonging. Lionheart’s holistic approach is especially impactful; it supports families not only emotionally but also through practical assistance, financial aid, and valuable educational resources, a critical feature for those facing additional financial burdens.
Strategies for Improving Grief Support Systems
Interviewer: What concrete steps can individuals, organizations, and policymakers take to improve access to effective grief support and reduce existing inequalities?
Dr.Vance: Several strategies can make a significant difference:
Increased Funding: Dedicated funding for community-based grief support programs and initiatives is paramount for expansion and sustainability. Expanding access to resources is a primary prerequisite.
Enhanced Professional Training: Comprehensive training for healthcare professionals, social workers, educators, and community leaders in recognizing and effectively addressing grief across diverse populations is vital to effective intervention.
Reducing Social stigma: Public awareness campaigns can profoundly impact the reduction of stigma surrounding grief and encourage help-seeking behaviors. Open conversations are a cornerstone of creating safer spaces for sharing experiences.
Improved Service Integration: Integrating bereavement support into existing healthcare systems ensures easier access,reducing barriers to timely and crucial care. This approach improves accessibility overall.
Prioritizing Personalized Support: Recognizing the unique needs of diverse communities and tailoring strategies to specific circumstances is vital for creating effective,culturally sensitive interventions.
Early Intervention: Implementing programs to promote emotional wellbeing in children from a young age cultivates resilience and equips them with coping skills for life’s challenges.
Interviewer: Dr. Vance, thank you for these invaluable insights. Shelley Skinner’s work, and the efforts of organizations like Lionheart Camp for kids, demonstrate the exceptional impact of compassion, community, and innovative interventions.Your insights provide crucial guidance for readers seeking to understand, address, and advocate for improved access to grief support. What are your thoughts? Share your comments below and join the discussion on social media!