Working with carers - Christine Heron

A complete guide to working with carers, this volume provides a general overview of all the issues involved. The recent surge of interest in the needs of carers is placed in its context of social policy, legislation, demographic trends and changes in society. General theories of assessment, groupwork, stress management and problem-solving are applied to working with carers, and suggestions for good practice are underpinned with references to relevant research, policy documents, and the views of carers themselves. Thus the book achieves a balance between day-to-day practicalities and wider preoccupations.

Each chapter covers practical issues and ends with a summary of good practice guidance for practitioners and managers. The author emphasises that carers are not an homogeneous group, and includes chapters specifically on working with young carers, with carers of people with mental health problems and of parents of children with disabilities. Her clear style and sensible approach ensure that the book is appropriate for practitioners at all levels of experience.

Christine Heron is Commissioning Manager in Wirral Social Services Department. Previously, she was a lecturer at Southport College and a member of the DipSW Programme Management Board. She has also worked with carers of people with disabilities and mental health problems in her capacity as a social work practitioner, and with carers groups as a Senior Planning Officer.

`There are many reasons why people care for others, and there are many types of caring situations, this book covers all these much neglected areas and provides you with a lot more insight than you may otherwise have had prior to perusing its 160 pages.'
Counselling

`The book includes definitions of caring; a discussion of the impact of caring; information on carers' assessments; information on the services required or preferred by carers; and direct work with carers. Checklists are included at the end of each chapter, which highlight relevant considerations to improve practice. [T]here are specific chapters on young carers, carers of those with mental health problems and parent carers .would be of particular interest to those with limited knowledge .and provide an introduction to these areas.'
Community Care

`.a good comprehensive guide.I like the emphasis on direct work with Carers and work with Carers taking into account emotions and relationships.'
CentreVoice, the magazine of the Princess Royal Trust for Carers

`This is possibly one of the best texts on the market from a practise viewpoint and is an essential purchase for therapists who are attempting to meet the needs of carers in the delivery of services.'
British Journal of Occupational Therapy

`...a handbook for social workers by Christine Heron; but her concern for the political and bureaucratic issues as well as the practical difficulties faced by people looking after mentally ill relatives, or disabled children, makes this book important for anyone concerned about the issues, and able to have some influence in their community.'
Church Times