Reflections on Social Work Placements

Every year Sussex Pathways hosts social work students from the Step Up to Social Work programme for a spring placement. Here, three of the students from this year's cohort share their thoughts and feedback on their experiences.

Jodie

My name is Jodie, and I am a social work student on the Step Up programme. I am currently completing a 70-day placement with Sussex Pathways. This placement has met none of my expectations — it has been harder, more intense, and more illuminating than I imagined, in all the best ways.

Recently, I completed a gate meet with another student for a client with complex needs, including very limited mobility and the use of a wheelchair. I found it challenging to navigate the traditional gate meet process while supporting someone whose physical needs were so significant. It took several emails across services just to secure funding for a taxi so he could attend probation. On that day, he struggled to move more than twenty feet in his chair without resting and could walk even less. He would never have managed the journey to Lewes station alone.

Buildings that were meant to be accessible often weren’t without hands‑on support from us. I found myself wrestling with the barriers he faced in accessing basic services, as well as the reception he received due to him not having adequate documentation. I often felt like a go-between; understanding the limitations of the system while also feeling the client’s frustration and advocating on his behalf.

Despite all this, the three of us had a remarkably successful day. We supported him to attend probation, visit the Jobcentre, and get his phone back online. Unfortunately, when we arrived at his CAS‑3 accommodation, it wasn’t wheelchair accessible, and he was unable to stay there. I contacted probation, who arranged emergency hotel funding for the night.

I can only imagine how unsuccessful his release day would have been without support. What surprised me most, though, was how much I enjoyed working with him. Despite the difficulties, the boundary‑testing, and the seriousness of his offences, he was funny, engaging, and far more than the sum of his paperwork.

The moments I struggled with have already made me better at meeting people where they are and supporting them in the ways they are ready to accept. This experience has shown me just how essential Sussex Pathways is to the criminal justice system and to the wider community. The work is challenging, but it is also deeply necessary – and I’m grateful to be learning within it.

Valarie

Hello, I’m Valarie, a Step Up to Social Work student at the University of Sussex. I’m currently on placement with Sussex Pathways, working as a Volunteer Keyworker. Prior to starting, I had very limited knowledge of the criminal justice system, so I saw this placement as a valuable opportunity to gain insight while developing my skills in anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice.

It has been an incredible learning journey so far. I’ve had the opportunity to shadow a sitting judge in court, where I learned about the rationale behind sentencing, observed proceedings, and spoke with probation officers about their roles. A real highlight was being invited to sit on the bench alongside the judge while cases were heard and sentences passed, an experience I will not forget.

I have also had the privilege of observing and participating in Sussex Pathways’ “Through the Gate” scheme, which supports individuals both before and after their release from prison. I shadowed an experienced Specialist Service Delivery Officer during a gate meet, where we met a client upon release, accompanied them to their probation appointment, and provided support throughout the day. It was a powerful and reassuring experience to witness.

Following this, I felt confident to carry out a gate meet independently—an invaluable learning opportunity. I supported a client from the point of release, helping them attend their probation meeting and Jobcentre appointment to secure benefits, and later assisted them in applying for housing. Sussex Pathways plays a vital role in people’s lives by offering non-judgemental, professional, and person-centred support in a holistic way. The client I supported expressed deep gratitude, saying, “This was the best support anyone has ever given me, 12 out of 10!” I found this both humbling and motivating. It reinforced how impactful dedicated support on such a significant day can be.

During my placement, I have also visited Lewes HM Prison, attended a range of informative training sessions, and taken part in Senior Leadership Training, all of which have enriched my learning experience.

Overall, this placement has been both inspiring and transformative, and I look forward to continuing to develop my practice in this field.

Kelly

...I just wanted to reach out with a positive email to let you all know how amazing the Sussex Pathways placement has been.  The team are fantastic, they are clearly incredibly passionate about the work they do and have gone above and beyond to welcome me into the team. Their training and induction process has been very comprehensive, the on-going support they are providing whilst I work with service users is exceptional and this will be invaluable to my development and practice.