Published
Feb 5, 2024Page count
298 pagesISBN
978-1447365327Dimensions
216 x 140 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Feb 5, 2024Page count
298 pagesISBN
978-1447365334Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy PressPublished
Feb 5, 2024Page count
298 pagesISBN
978-1447365334Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Policy Press
Community Work
On the blog:
PRACTITIONER BRIEFING: Community work
Written by community workers from diverse contexts, this highly accessible guide equips practitioners and students working in a range of community settings to make the best use of theory in their work. The book focuses on the hope, excitement and possibilities that contemporary theory brings to practice and is essential reading for all those concerned with social justice, inclusion and equality.
Drawing on voices from across the world, influential thinking, both old and new, is applied to the practice that underpins work with individuals, groups and communities. The book will inform and enhance practice for a wide range of students and professionals working in community contexts such as community development, adult education, youth work, community health and social work.
"The practitioners/authors invite engagement in the vibrant relationship between values, practice and theory. A grounded community work text for sharing and using!" Frances Crawford, University of New England
“This book blows away the cobwebs of ‘community work’ and breathes life into a vibrant professional base offering practitioners and students a comprehensive one-stop for knowledge, skills and values.” Darren Hill, Leeds Beckett University
"An urgent call to action in time of crisis! Read it! Discuss it! Use it to provoke wide-ranging conversations about theory in action. As the authors say, ‘We all need to be political'." Margaret Ledwith, University of Cumbria
“An excellent guide for contemporary practice in community development, throwing a new light on age-old issues faced by communities across a wide spectrum. It showcases social work theory to social action from practitioners through collaboration to create change.” Sonia Garcha, International Association for Community Development
Karen McArdle is Emeritus Professor at the University of Aberdeen and has worked in the community development field for over 30 years.
Sue Briggs has many years of local authority practice and management experience including with quality improvement approaches, professional learning and community learning and development.
Kirsty Forrester has worked extensively as a community learning and development worker and manager in local authority, third sector, social work and health settings.
Ed Garrett has worked in a number of community development roles for over 20 years, in both local authority and third sector settings.
Introduction – Karen McArdle, Sue Briggs, Ed Garrett and Kirsty Forrester
1. Professional Learning – Sue Briggs and Karen McArdle
2. Social Justice – Karen McArdle
3. Equality and Inclusion – Kirsty Forrester and Karen McArdle
4. Impact, Change and Making a Difference – Karen McArdle
5. Participation – Karen McArdle
6. Working With Communities – Karen McArdle
7. Community Engagement – Ed Garrett and Karen McArdle
8. Networking and Partnership – Kirsty Forrester
9. Health and Well-being – Ed Garrett and Karen McArdle
10. Youth Work – Kirsty Forrester and Karen McArdle
11. Adult Learning – Kirsty Forrester
12. Employability – Kirsty Forrester
13. The Environment – Ed Garrett and Karen McArdle
14. Community Arts – Sue Briggs and Karen McArdle
15. Digital Community Work – Kirsty Forester
16. Community Research – Karen McArdle
17. Leadership in Community Work – Kirsty Forrester and Sue Briggs
Conclusion and Celebration – Karen McArdle, Sue Briggs, Ed Garrett and Kirsty Forrester
