Policy Press

The Strengths Approach in Practice

How It Changes Lives

By Avril Bellinger and Deirdre Ford

Published

Jan 17, 2022

Page count

258 pages

ISBN

978-1447359692

Dimensions

216 x 138 mm

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 17, 2022

Page count

258 pages

ISBN

978-1447359708

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press

Published

Jan 17, 2022

Page count

258 pages

ISBN

978-1447359708

Dimensions

Imprint

Policy Press
The Strengths Approach in Practice

In the global emergencies our world faces, the strengths approach is needed now more than ever. Commonly misunderstood, its true power as a whole systems approach to release the potential of individuals, communities and their environments has been neglected. For those brave enough to embrace it, this book offers theoretical and practical encouragement.

The authors use a case study of their work with a unique non-governmental organisation in the United Kingdom that combines student placements with support for refugees. They illustrate what it really means to adopt a strengths approach in practice. Chapters include the strengths approach to funding, organisational development, management and governance as well as immigration law, student learning and research.

This book will give readers grounds for optimism as well as transferable practices for challenging social injustice.

Avril Bellinger, Honorary Associate Professor in Social Work at the University of Plymouth and academic activist, is the founder and Chair of Students and Refugees Together (START).

Deirdre Ford is a registered social worker, associate of Research in Practice and trustee of Students and Refugees Together (START).

Introduction: The strengths approach in a global emergency

1. A strengths approach to human need

2. A strengths approach to law and policy

3. A strengths approach to organisational development

4. A strengths approach to governance and management

5. A strengths approach to funding an NGO

6. A strengths approach to research

7. A strengths approach to student learning

8. A strengths approach to growing community

9. The strengths approach in practice: how it changes lives