Kevin Brazant’s social work research and fatherhood training model picked up by local council authority after being presented at London Met Conference.
Date: 13 October 2022
Kevin Brazant, Academic Mentor and University Teaching Fellow supporting Social Work Bsc and MSc courses, was invited to speak at the recent North East London Teaching Partnership (NELTP) hosted by London Met his contribution was to a seminar exploring Problem Based Learning (PBL) approaches to engaging fathers as part of practice learning.
The event was an opportunity to connect, exchange knowledge and share lessons on creating a more inclusive workplace with colleagues across the NELTP, which includes London boroughs of Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge, Waltham Forest and Tower Hamlets.
Kevin took the opportunity to present his Problem Based Learning (PBL) model, titled 'Promoting Positive Father Involvement' , as part of his progressive research into problem based learning to engage men and fathers. His inclusive model helps to provide a safe space for fathers to talk openly, pushes to include fathers in developing policies and services, and aims to reduce father isolation by networking with other fathers and professional services.
This adds to Kevin’s extensive work as Challenge Champ on the Empowering London initiative, London Met’s mission to tackle the inequalities facing London to improve people’s lives and to deliver social justice.
As a result of Kevin’s presentation at the conference Redbridge local authority have included his 'Positive Father Involvement' training in their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme for newly qualified Social Workers.
Kevin has a wealth of experience providing resources for local councils, including Lambeth and Southwark councils: “I am now supporting community research into issues that effect and impact fathers residing in Lambeth and Southwark. So my 'Positive Father Involvement' research and recommended programme/ model has been taken onboard by a community organisation called Centric as part of a funded partnership by Impact on Urban Health and The Social Innovation Partnership (TSIP).”
Kevin’s great efforts are often recognised by the stakeholders with whom he works. The Social Innovation Partnership lead Daniel Morris said: “Kevin acting as a critical friend has led to a more participatory knowledge exchange, which has meant that Kevin’s research project supervisory role will continue to provide training to inform and challenge stereotypes about men and masculinity and challenge the widespread suggestion that men need to change, instead call for services to be better tailored to meet men “where they are” through co-created content from video, podcast and visual media.”
