Introduction

Abstract

This book is about people working to gain control over their own lives — trying to empower themselves, and about the way health and welfare professionals working in community care can either help or hinder them. Its diverse readings will interest, challenge and inform service users, providers and managers, and those involved or thinking of getting involved in self-help and mutual aid activity. Students will find here theoretical debate about and practical examples of issues which are fundamental in the development of western societies’ health and welfare provision into the 21st century.