Taylor Bast

Background

About Taylor Bast

I have just completed my Bachelor of Social Work with First Class Honours through Deakin University. My studies have centred on the critical social work tradition, providing support to people while interrogating the barriers & imbalances in our society and advocating for systemic change. My aim is to work in both person-centred practice and research-based contexts to support people to empower themselves to overcome social barriers, develop my skills, provide evidence and advocate for systemic change. My Honours thesis was titled: The Role of Victorian Neighbourhood Houses in supporting the social and emotional wellbeing needs of diverse communities: exploring worker perspectives. This thesis examines the intersection between the Victorian Neighbourhood House sector and the ways in which their supports and approaches improve the overall wellbeing of newly arrived and refugee community members. I have a professional background in youth work, online communications, volunteering alongside people experiencing homelessness and have had formal placement experience in case management working alongside people with intellectual disabilities who have been involved with the criminal justice system. I hope to utilise the learnings from across my professional and lived experiences to improve the outcomes and quality of life for underserved people in our communities.