Gretchen Ennis

Exploring the Potential of Social Network Analysis in Asset-based Community Development Practice and Research

Abstract Strengths-based practice appears to be a popular approach to social work practice. Increasingly, it has become the approach of choice in community work, with the “asset-based community development” model being utilised both in Australia and internationally. However, asset-based community development has been criticised for its lack of an evidence base, lack of theoretical depth, and its lack of consideration of the macro level causes of disempowerment. While concepts of networks are central to asset-based community development, social network theory and analysis have rarely been utilised in a comprehensive manner in asset-based community development practice or research. This article contends that asset-based community development practice can benefit from the integration of key concepts from social network theory. Similarly, it is proposed that social network analysis holds promise as an appropriate methodology in terms of understanding the efficacy of asset-based community development projects.

Alcohol, violence, and a fast growing male population: exploring a risky-mix in "boomtown" Darwin

Boomtowns are places where populations grow rapidly, mostly as a result of large-scale natural resource developments. Increases in alcohol consumption and alcohol-fuelled violence are often linked to influxes of (predominantly male) workers associated with such developments. This article provides an integrated review of literature concerning alcohol and violence in boomtowns. The authors aim to understand the links between these issues and explore how negative impacts have been addressed. New learning from the review is considered in the context of Darwin, a newly booming city in Australias Northern Territory. The authors find that although alcohol-related violence is likely to increase, there is limited literature concerning the prevention or mitigation of negative impacts in boomtown contexts. The need for research, planning, and policy making involving all stakeholders is highlighted.

Open for Business but at What Cost? Housing issues in ‘boomtown’ Darwin

ABSTRACT The Greater Darwin area has long experienced high housing costs and high rates of homelessness. Into this already stressed housing context have come large-scale, natural resource development projects, which are predicted to bring thousands of new workers to town, and exciting property investor interest. While many view these developments as positive, there is concern about the impacts upon the most vulnerable members of the population. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative research project exploring current housing issues in the Greater Darwin area. Interviews with housing support service providers and real estate agents reveal that the current population and investment growth have exacerbated longstanding housing issues. Increased housing stress in Darwin, and a myopic focus on rapid economic growth, may disenfranchise current residents and undermine service and support industries. We argue that while there may be some economic benefits from a ‘booming’ Darwin, greater planning and partnership between government, community organisations and corporates is required to ensure the benefits are spread across the population. Unfortunately, the Northern Territory governments dilatory approach to both housing issues and the social costs of the resources boom makes it highly unlikely innovative partnerships will occur.

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in Prediabetes and Undiagnosed Diabetes Mellitus Study: International Collaboration Research Overview

The study aims to develop a screening protocol for the risk of future cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus in people with prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes; and to establish a framework for early identification and intervention of prediabetes including strategies for holistic management and monitoring of progression. The first phase is to identify prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes in volunteers who are ≥18-years-old for 5 years. Point-of-care testing and questionnaire will be used to screen for prediabetes and cardiovascular disease. We anticipate screening more than 2000 individuals of both genders by the end of first phase. The second and third phases which shall run for 5-10 years will be longitudinal study involving participants identified in the first phase as having prediabetes without dyslipidaemia, or clinically established cardiovascular disease. The second phase shall focus on preventive management of risk of progress to diabetes with explicit diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. Oxidative stress measurements will be performed cum evaluation of the use of antioxidants, exercise, and nutrition. The third phase will include probing the development of diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Binomial logistic regression would be performed to generate and propose a model chart for the assessment of cardiovascular disease risk in prediabetes.

The beneficial attributes of visual art-making in cancer care: An integrative review.

We seek to understand what is known about the use of visual art-making for people who have a cancer diagnosis, and to explore how art-making may help address fatigue in the cancer care context. Art-making involves creating art or craft alone or in a group and does not require an art-therapist as the emphasis is on creativity rather than an overt therapeutic intention. An integrative review was undertaken of qualitative, quantitative and mixed-method studies on art-making for people who have cancer, at any stage of treatment or recovery. An adapted version of Kaplans Attention Restoration Theory (ART) was used to interpret the themes found in the literature. Fifteen studies were reviewed. Nine concerned art-making programmes and six were focused on individual, non-facilitated art-making. Review results suggested that programme-based art-making may provide participants with opportunities for learning about self, support, enjoyment and distraction. Individual art-making can provides learning about self, diversion and pleasure, self-management of pain, a sense of control, and enhanced social relationships. When viewed through the lens of ART, art-making can be understood as an energy-restoring activity that has the potential to enhance the lives of people with a diagnosis of cancer.

Art in cancer care: Exploring the role of visual art-making programs within an Energy Restoration Framework

PURPOSE In contrast to art-therapy, little is known about the role of art-making for people who have been diagnosed with cancer, and even less is known about program-based art-making. This study explored the experience of participation in a visual art-making program for people during and after cancer treatment in the Northern Territory of Australia. METHOD A longitudinal, qualitative, single cohort study was undertaken. Eight women diagnosed with breast and/or ovarian cancer participated in weekly art-making sessions over eight weeks, facilitated by two professional artists. Data were collected before, during and after the sessions by interviews and group discussions. The Energy Restoration Framework was used to document and analyse the benefits of participation in terms of the a priori themes of: Expansive, Belonging, Nurturing and Purposeful. RESULTS The four a priori themes were retained and an additional attribute of an energy restoration activity called Stimulating was added, along with sub-themes, which broadened and deepened understanding of the art-making experience within cancer care. CONCLUSIONS Involvement in an activity that was expansive, new, beautiful and fascinating was highly valued in addition to the appreciation for being with and belonging to a supportive and accepting group facilitated by dynamic artists. There is much scope for continued research and promotion of art-making programs as an adjunct to cancer treatment.

A Boom for Whom? Exploring the Impacts of a Rapid Increase in the Male Population Upon Women’s Services in Darwin, Northern Territory

A rapidly expanding natural-resource extraction industry and a growing military presence mean an increasingly male-skewed population for the city of Darwin, Australia. This has sparked concerns about the potential for increased violence against women. In this article, we present qualitative research detailing the views of 13 participants from 10 women’s support services in the Darwin area. We argue that women’s support services bear witness to and are tasked with responding to the impacts of population change on women, yet their work is undermined by uncertainties that stem from neoliberal funding rationales and limited demands on companies to address social issues.

Northern Territory Social Work: Views and Approaches

Abstract The present article explores the question of what Northern Territory (NT) social workers want from the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW). In a dynamic social work landscape, this question is a critical one for our professional association. Using both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, data were obtained from 49 social workers with the primary aim of understanding their views about the AASW and what they wanted from their professional association. The findings indicate that, in general, social workers agreed with the AASWs stated objectives. Participant concerns centred on the urgent need for professional registration, access to quality Continuing Professional Education (CPE), the pursuit of social justice activities, and for the AASW to better articulate its overall role and purpose. Problematically, social workers expect the AASW to fulfil many roles and further research is required to provide a clearer, national picture.

‘It’s like exercise for your soul’: how participation in youth arts activities contributes to young people’s wellbeing

ABSTRACT Active participation in organised youth arts activities is generally considered ‘good’ for young peoples’ social and emotional wellbeing. There is, however, less known about how youth arts participation helps to create wellbeing benefits. This paper details a retrospective narrative study that sought to understand not only what wellbeing benefits 17 participants attributed to youth arts activity, but more specifically, how these outcomes occurred. The concept of liminality, within a spaces of wellbeing approach, is used as a framework to explore and understand participant’s stories of their time at Corrugated Iron Youth Arts, in Darwin, Australia. A pattern of transformation involving three phases emerged through an analysis of participant stories. This involved (1) joining in, (2) developing skills and gaining experience, and (3) becoming a ‘real’ performer. These stages have strong resonance with contemporary conceptualisations of liminal experiences, and provide further evidence for the value of youth arts activity as a space for the development of social and emotional wellbeing.

The energy-enhancing potential of participatory performance-based arts activities in the care of people with a diagnosis of cancer: an integrative review

Abstract Background Cancer in all its forms and stages is accompanied by a range of emotional, social and spiritual impacts. Pharmacological interventions have limited success with these issues and a range of interventions are needed to support people with a cancer diagnosis. We seek to understand the benefits of participatory performance-based arts activities, such as music, singing, drama and dance, in the care of people with cancer. We use the emerging Energy Restoration Framework, based on Kaplan’s Attention Restoration Theory to explore the potentially energy-enhancing aspects of participation in such activities. Methods An integrative review is used to explore existing research on the use of participatory performance-based arts in cancer care. Existing research is summarized and critically appraised. Results are analysed thematically and mapped to the attributes of the Energy Restoration Framework. Results Eight studies (four qualitative, three quantitative and one mixed-methods study) published between 2001 and 2016 met the search criteria. Findings from the thematic analysis resonated with the attributes of the Energy Restoration Framework. Conclusions Research on the topic is very limited. When examined through the lens of the Energy Restoration Framework, the literature hints at the potential value of participatory performance-based arts activities for enhancing energy in the cancer care context.