THE WORKING WITH GROUPS IN SOCIAL ASSISTENCE

Abstract

Based on an experience report, the purpose of this article is to share relevant aspects about the management, techniques and strategies used in working with groups of people assisted – mostly women and usually aged between 40 and 65 years – in a social assistance service in the city of Santos/SP. Working with groups, considering their various modalities, procedures and objectives, commonly presents paths for communication and knowledge of people’s particularities and their cultural, political and territorial experiences. Thus, focusing on the area of Social Work, this article is based on a field diary, notes,
observations, memories, as well as on the interdisciplinary theoretical basis. Therefore, it can be seen that working with groups enables a creative and dynamic way to build bonds, as well as to the elaboration and expansion of the critical and reflective reading of realities, especially with regard to the scope of protection and legitimation of social rights.