When working in frontline practice having the time for, and access to, current research can be difficult. Every week, join Dr Sarah Lonbay and Dr Lesley Deacon as they interview researchers about how their work can be used to inform and develop social work practice. The show is for anyone who is interested in social work and for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest research and use this to inform their practice. The Portal Podcast explores the work of a different social sciences researcher in each episode and aims to support people to access, understand, and make use of research.
To access more information about the show (including transcripts for each episode) or to get in touch, click here: https://wp.sunderland.ac.uk/portal-podcast/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When working in frontline practice having the time for, and access to, current research can be difficult. Every week, join Dr Sarah Lonbay and Dr Lesley Deacon as they interview researchers about how their work can be used to inform and develop social work practice. The show is for anyone who is interested in social work and for anyone who wants to keep up to date with the latest research and use this to inform their practice. The Portal Podcast explores the work of a different social sciences researcher in each episode and aims to support people to access, understand, and make use of research.
To access more information about the show (including transcripts for each episode) or to get in touch, click here: https://wp.sunderland.ac.uk/portal-podcast/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Portal Podcast, hosts Professor Sarah Lonbay and Dr Lesley Deacon speak with Dr Laura Lennuyeux-Comnene and Professor Rebecca Charlton from Goldsmiths, University of London, about the COAST Project – Co-designing Autism Social Work Training. The project focuses on collaborating with older autistic adults, social workers, and social care providers to create training that supports social workers in working more effectively with autistic people aged 50+.
The discussion covers the researchers’ journeys into this field, the importance of co-production in training design, and the challenges faced by older autistic adults, including late diagnosis, systemic barriers in social care, and the intersection of autism with ageing. The guests reflect on the difficulties in reaching diverse participants, the need for social workers to reframe existing skills with confidence, and the importance of recognising each autistic person’s unique lived experience. The conversation also touches on intersectionality, intergenerational dynamics, and structural changes that could improve service access.
Listeners will gain insights into the realities of ageing and autism, the gaps in current social work practice, and practical steps for creating inclusive, needs-led support.
For more information about the episode, including a glossary of key terms and concepts, links to resources mentioned in the conversation, and a transcript of the episode, please click here: https://wp.sunderland.ac.uk/portal-podcast/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.