This paper aims to describe a novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user in developing two support groups – an art group and an “alcoholics anonymous group”…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe a novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user in developing two support groups – an art group and an “alcoholics anonymous group” self help group – at a central London “Wet” hostel for the homeless. The paper seeks to explore the issues raised for both workers in this experience.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is a jointly written case study of innovative and reflective practice. It begins with an overview of policy frameworks and research that promote and advocate inclusion practice; then gives an account of the origins and development of the collaboration initiative; and concludes with reflections from each of the participants on what they have gained from the experience.
Findings
The main challenge for professionals lies in the need for “self‐reflective” practice and to challenge their own personal investments in the maintenance of their professional role and status. For ex‐service users, the challenge is to overcome low self‐confidence, the safety of the all‐too‐familiar “service user” role, and to realise that, despite real obstacles, a productive, useful contribution can be made to society. This can therefore be seen as a journey for both parties.
Social implications
Working with multiple exclusion homelessness can leave professionals feeling isolated and deskilled, leading people with complex needs to be further excluded from services that feel that they do not fit their criteria. Tackling these issues requires time for reflection on the personal issues raised.
Originality/value
The paper provides unique learning and insight into the development and running of support groups, resulting from the novel collaboration between a worker and a former service user.
Details
Keywords
The authors of the previous paper “Staff and ex‐service user co‐working: a counselling service's enhanced response to multiple exclusion homelessness” feel that Paul's…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors of the previous paper “Staff and ex‐service user co‐working: a counselling service's enhanced response to multiple exclusion homelessness” feel that Paul's contribution and achievements can only be fully appreciated with reference to his own story. It is published here, to appear alongside the account of their joint experience of co‐working, as part of the series on personal perspectives on development work. It aims to give an account of one person's journey into homelessness and mental health problems in the context of multiple exclusion and homelessness.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a biographical account, with personal reflections.
Findings
There are no findings as such; this is an account of personal experience. It speaks for itself.
Originality/value
Fully personal accounts are rare, in research journals. Yet personal experience is the bedrock of research, and of outcomes. This account is published here, as a necessary balance to more formal, objective and statistical measures.
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Patrick Minford and Paul Ashton
This article considers the impact of minimumwage legislation on wages, employment and grossdomestic product. Using the Liverpool quarterlymodel of the UK to calculate the total…
Abstract
This article considers the impact of minimum wage legislation on wages, employment and gross domestic product. Using the Liverpool quarterly model of the UK to calculate the total effects in the economy, the authors suggest that unemployment would increase along with the real wages of low paid workers.
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Peter R. Shewry and Paul Lazzeri
Genetic engineering offers an opportunity to improve aspects of the agronomic performance, resistance to pests and pathogens and end use quality of crops by inserting specific…
Abstract
Genetic engineering offers an opportunity to improve aspects of the agronomic performance, resistance to pests and pathogens and end use quality of crops by inserting specific genes. Discusses the basic principles and procedures of plant genetic engineering, including the use of particle bombardment for delivery of genes into regenerable tissues. Also discusses how this technology can be used to alter the level (up or down‐regulation) or pattern of expression of endogenous genes, or to insert novel activities or properties by inserting genes from other sources (other plants, animals or microbes). Finally, describes work in progress in our own laboratories on the improvement of the bread‐ making quality of wheat by manipulating the amount and composition of the HMW subunits of glutenin.
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British Telecom fights software theft. Fast, the Federation Against Software Theft, has accepted British Telecom as a member. Fast was launched in July 1984 to combat the major…
Abstract
British Telecom fights software theft. Fast, the Federation Against Software Theft, has accepted British Telecom as a member. Fast was launched in July 1984 to combat the major threat which software piracy poses to the computer industry. The theft of software by illegal copying is estimated to cost the industry about 150 million pounds a year.
Six new vendors join EasyNet. Six new database vendors will be participating in Telebase Systems' EasyNet system. The new vendors are Datasolve (London, England), Datastar (Berne…
Abstract
Six new vendors join EasyNet. Six new database vendors will be participating in Telebase Systems' EasyNet system. The new vendors are Datasolve (London, England), Datastar (Berne, Switzerland), DataTimes (Oklahoma City, OK), G.Cam Serveur (Paris, France), QL Systems (Kingston, Ontario, Canada) and Timeplace (Waltham, MA). These companies join the seven vendors currently supplying databases to EasyNet and boost to over 700 the total number of files available to EasyNet customers.
Bangkok, City of Angels, City of Sin, the Venice of the Orient, the place where after one night the world is supposedly your oyster. The huge variety of delicious, delectable…
Abstract
Bangkok, City of Angels, City of Sin, the Venice of the Orient, the place where after one night the world is supposedly your oyster. The huge variety of delicious, delectable exotic fruits; the many different kinds of evocatively scented orchids and other flowers; the vivid blues and yellows and pinks of silk blouses and dresses; the hot, spicy tasty soups and food; the smiles of everyone who looked your way; the dazzling, be‐jewelled, golden library in the Royal Palace (oh for a job there!). Bangkok — (I gloss over the traffic; the mosquitoes; the heavy downpours steamily dispersing the heat of the sun ) — the place chosen for the venue of the First Pacific Conference on New Information Technology for Library and Information Professionals held from 16–18 June 1987.
The Library Association Conference has once more been held, and in spite of the smaller attendance and the omission of most of the usual social and local functions, there was a…
Abstract
The Library Association Conference has once more been held, and in spite of the smaller attendance and the omission of most of the usual social and local functions, there was a spirit of camaraderie and interest displayed that has made the meeting a decided success. It met at a time of such national strain that we may surely hope will never recur during the experience of the present generation, a time when all professions, occupations and business enterprises seem of small interest in comparison to the great national effort being made to defend the positions of ourselves and our Allies, against the overbearing aggression of a military despotism, so organised and trained, so powerful and unscrupulous as to call for the highest self‐devotion and sacrifice of all and every member of our immense Empire. It is therefore not a matter of surprise that although the number of members present was somewhat smaller than usual the tone of the Conference was kept at a high level, and attention was mainly focussed upon business matters.
By the end of 1992 many of the barriers whichstill hinder trade between the European states willhave gone. This article surveys recentdevelopments in the European Community…
Abstract
By the end of 1992 many of the barriers which still hinder trade between the European states will have gone. This article surveys recent developments in the European Community and economic adjustments in response to integration; summarising the other articles in this issue, which consider aspects such as the social charter, labour mobility and unemployment/employment predictions.