Caroline Aldridge
Social worker, lecturer, practice educator, author
Experience, qualifications and areas of interest
If I could change one thing, it would be to increase kindness.
My book, 'He Died Waiting: Learning the Lessons - a bereaved mother's view of mental health services', is out now. See the blog that explains why I wrote it
Please click on the 'shop' to buy it. Also available on Kindle and most ebook.
A recording of the virtual book launch of He Died Waiting is available on Youtube:
Listen to me talking about He Died Waiting on Woman's Hour:
To see the pledges people have made, or to upload your Pledge For Tim, go to
I am a creative social worker and educator. I am passionate about educating practitioners in health and social care and about improving mental health services.
I am a Social Worker (BA Hons) with an MA in Advanced Social Work and a Practice Educator. I am also a qualified teacher (Diploma in Education and Training) and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. I have over 30 years experience of working with children (and their families) in a range of settings. My social work experience includes - safeguarding, adoption, child and adolescent mental health. My teaching experience includes - course leading a social work degree apprenticeship; lecturing on HE mental health, social care, and health programmes; delivering training in mental health settings; and speaking at events.
I am co-creator of the What works Practice Learning Circle (see Padlet link for details
I am currently undertaking a Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care. My research will explore how bereaved relatives experience organisational processes when the death is associated with mental illness.
When not working, studying, writing, or enjoying time with my friends and family, I can usually be found in my sewing room at the bottom of the garden.
WELCOME TO THE LEARNING SOCIAL WORKER
The ideas, learning and reflections of a creative social worker and educator.
I am constantly learning and wants to share knowledge with like minded people. Join me as I reflect on my learning journey, share my practice highlights and challenges, make sense of ideas and think about social work and education. I want to learn from others so please do give me feedback. There is a story and a reason behind the quilt images that explains what I stand for, read 'learn more' to find out!
FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME...
I enjoy exchanging ideas so do email me at if you have anything you want to share or want more details on.
Follow me, or comment on the blog, via Twitter @CarolineAldrid5
For debates relating to my book, see my Twitter account for He Died Waiting @waiting_he
Email:
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Dr Karen McMahon
Mental Health Nurse Lecturer
"He Died Waiting is required reading for every mental health trainee and professional ... a call to change that must be heard."
Emma Carter
Mental Health Practitioner
"I urge all practitioners to immediately get themselves a copy of He Died Waiting so we can all learn to do better, both personally and professionally"