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Book Titles (Click on the titles or scroll down the page for more information)
The Social Work Companion
The Critically Reflective Practitioner
People Problems
People Skills
Promoting Equality: Challenging Discrimination
and Oppression
Dealing with Stress
Communication and Language: A Handbook
of Theory and Practice
Loss and Grief: A Guide for Human Services Practitioners
Anti-Discriminatory Practice
Understanding Social Work
Group Care with Children and Young People
Building the Future: Social Work with
Children, Young People and Their Families
Meeting the Stress Challenge
Partnership Made Painless: A Joined-Up Guide
to Working Together
Promoting Workplace Learning
Age Discrimination
From Where I’m Sitting
Community Care
Understanding Social Care
Power and Empowerment
Neil Thompson and Sue Thompson
The Social Work Companion
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2008)
An ideal resource for all social work students, this substantial textbook offers a clear and accessible guide to the knowledge base underpinning practice. Divided into seven parts, it covers a range of important issues, including key concepts and theories, the importance of research, career pathways and guidance on further learning. The ideas presented are supported by short case studies that help to bring the material to life. This is an indispensable companion that offers excellent value for money.
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Sue Thompson and Neil Thompson
The Critically Reflective Practitioner
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2008)
The need for professional practice to be reflective has become well-established in recent years. This book not only provides an excellent foundation for developing such practice, but also clearly establishes why it needs to be critically reflective practice. This is a clearly written and well-informed book that provides important guidance on how to promote best practice through the use of a critically reflective approach.
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Neil Thompson
People Problems
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2006)
People Problems aims to equip students, practitioners and managers with an understanding of the factors that contribute to a range of problems, such as conflict, stress, relationship difficulties and poor communication. It introduces fifty problem-solving techniques, with a commentary on how they can be effectively used in a variety of contexts and plenty of suggestions for further reading. The book offers an invaluable source of ideas and is an ideal companion volume to People Skills. Its generic approach will appeal across a wide readership, in health and social care and in the people professions more broadly.
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Neil Thompson
People Skills
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2nd edn, 2002)
Divided into three parts, this important textbook addresses self-management
skills, interpersonal skills and problem-solving (or 'intervention') skills.
It provides an excellent foundation for learning about these important
skills that are so fundamental to a wide variety of managers and professionals.
'Neil Thompson has the rare skill to be able to take complex ideas and
simplify them without reducing them' Jacquie Lee, University of Wales
Institute Cardiff
'The book is practical and easy to read, with usable and useful exercises
that can be handled on a personal basis or by individuals who are either
experienced or inexperienced in managing or supervising staff. The conclusions
reached at the end of each chapter are concise and helpful... It is a
book that can be read in its entirety or can be 'dipped into' a chapter
at a time, as the need arises.'
Peter Moon, Professional Personnel Consultants Ltd
Buy People Skills from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Promoting Equality: Challenging Discrimination and Oppression
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2nd edn, 2003)
An important book which presents the theory base underpinning promoting
equality
and valuing diversity and relates this to practice. In this revised and
updated edition, Neil Thompson presents a clear and accessible analysis
of the complexities of discrimination and oppression and the challenges
of making equality practice a reality. Critical of the orthodoxies and
oversimplifications of 'political correctness', Promoting Equality combines
analysis and understanding of the latest theory with practice examples
and insights. This important book will be of value to students, practitioners,
managers and educators in a variety of professions and settings concerned
with people and their problems, and will play a major part in promoting
equality and valuing diversity.
'The works of Neil Thompson on anti-discriminatory practice and equality have become well-known and highly respected standard reading for practising social workers and especially for students on social work courses. Any new book by Thompson, taking his views and analyses further, must therefore be strongly welcomed.' Paul Williams, British Journal of Social Work
Buy Promoting Equality from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson, Michael Murphy and Steve
Stradling
Dealing with Stress
(Palgrave Macmillan, 1994)
Published in the BASW Practical Social Work series, this book offers
a clear and helpful overview of how stress issues can be better understood
and dealt with.
Hardback copies available at the paperback price.
Buy Dealing With Stress from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Communication and Language: A Handbook of Theory and Practice
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2003)
Communication and language are crucial parts of our everyday working
lives. In this important textbook, Neil Thompson explores the complexities
of the theory base and presents them in a clear and easily understandable
form. However, this is not simply a book about theory. It also contains
chapters on practice issues relating to face-to-face communications, communicating
in writing and the management of communication systems. This is a helpful
guide with much to offer all involved in working with people and their
problems.
In this clearly written text, Neil Thompson presents an overview of the
complexities of communication and language in Part One, with chapters
on developing effective communication in practice making up Part Two.
'[Neil Thompson] is a scholar, teacher, researcher and an active friend
to the human experience, most especially the bereaved. His genuineness
is both intellectual, that is, well crafted and thought out, but also
one that is integrated with his feelings, experience, beliefs and values.
This textbook ... explores the many theories developed to account for
communication and language, and, using traditional resources or expressions
along with contemporary ones, moves from the review of theories to the
implications of all this on the contemporary scene’.
Rev. Dr. Richard B. Gilbert, BCC The World Pastoral Care Center Resources
Hotline
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Neil Thompson (editor)
Loss and Grief: A Guide for Human Services Practitioners
(Palgrave Macmillan, 2002)
The significance of loss and grief in all walks of life is often neglected. This book helps to explain why they are important not only when someone dies, but also in so many other aspects of people's lives.
'… exciting and thought-provoking' Nursing Standard
'This book is strongly written and well edited into a coherent structure. It draws together recent developments in thinking about grief and widens the loss spectrum to include situations other than the traditional ones of disability and death. Anyone working with loss … should read this book' Community Care
'The author's comprehensive approach will appeal to a wide range of healthcare
professionals, including nurses and lecturers, and practitioners working
or undertaking specialist and social care. I found this book exciting
and thought provoking. It would be an excellent resource for individuals
as well as university libraries responsible for inter-professional healthcare
training and education.' - Barbara Borwell MA, RGN, Dip Couns, Nursing
Standard
'It is rare to find such a valuable resource as this book that considers
gender, race and class and losses resulting from 'social disenfranchisements'
such as divorce, adoption or being fostered. The book re-enfranchises
those experiencing loss and grief. It is highly recommended for all practitioners
in health and social care, not just those working in palliative care or
bereavement services.' - Jonathan Parker, University of Hull
'… adds new perspectives that will expand our understanding.' - Resources
Hotline, The World Pastoral Care Centre
Buy Loss and Grief from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil
Thompson
Anti-Discriminatory Practice
(4th edn, Palgrave Macmillan, 2006)
This successful textbook has been thoroughly updated to include new debates and developments in the theory and practice of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive social work, including discussion of language, the diversity approach and misinterpretations of PCS analysis. References, reading lists and recommended websites are all carefully revised. This fourth edition continues to offer support, guidance and insight on a complex subject and is an ideal starting point or refresher for students, practitioners and managers alike.
Buy Anti-Discriminatory Practice from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil
Thompson
Understanding Social Work
(2nd edn, Palgrave Macmillan, 2005)
This established and successful textbook provides a superb introduction to the nature of social work: its legal and policy base, the knowledge, skills and values involved, and the challenges and pitfalls practitioners face. This new edition has been completely updated to include recent developments in the field. In particular, it takes into account further theoretical issues, contemporary writings, and changes in the organisation of social work education. The author has also included useful suggestions about websites and further reading. Revamped and updated, this outstanding text will be an invaluable guide for all those considering or beginning a career in social work.
Reviews of the previous edition:
'... successful in handling the complexity of the subject and remarkably
free from jargon. It, undoubtedly, is a major resource for anyone involved
with social work training and practice, especially beginners in the field.'
- Wing Hong Chui, Journal of Social Work Practice
'This introduction to social work is written with a new generation of
entrants to the profession in mind. Its strength lies in the author's
willingness to begin patiently at ground zero, assuming that its readers
will bring little or no prior knowledge with them.' - John Pierson, Community
Care
'All in all, this book is a tour de force ... Understanding Social
Work is more than a resume of the current state of social work practice.
It extends our understanding and, with subheadings such as Creativity,
Resilience and Humility, reminds us of important qualities in social work
as well as competences and skills.' - Mark Doel, Social Work Education
'An excellent book which deserves to become a standard text.' - Professional
Social Work
‘An ideal starting point for study, debate and analysis’ The
Times Higher Education Supplement
Buy Understanding Social Work from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Group Care with Children and Young People
(2nd edn, Russell House Publishing, 2004)
This book can be of help to anyone who works in group care with children
and young people whether they are living away from home – for example
in children’s homes, hospitals, residential schools - or are in
the care of others during the day - for example, at family centres. It
cannot give all the answers, but it does enable carers to: improve the
important service they provide for children in need and their families;
explore and reflect on the many issues that arise in this difficult and
demanding, but also rewarding work, linking their practice, prior experience
and reading; share ideas and learning with colleagues and be able to use
them as a learning resource too; cope with the work’s many pressures;
carry on learning and developing.
‘A book of great clarity – I recommend this excellent book without
hesitation.’ Professional Social Work.
‘This book should be regarded as an ever-present resource in the development of individual carers’ skills.’ From the Foreword by Sir Ronald Waterhouse.
It ‘has strong emphasis on how to integrate theoretical understandings of the issues facing carers and staff, and everyday practice – gives an outline of care-planning processes and principles, and of the importance of verbal, non-verbal and written communication skills. Subsequent chapters provide knowledge about dealing with abuse, the needs of children and young people with disabilities and best practice in meeting those needs, and managing challenging behaviour.’ Care and Health.
Buy Group Care wih Children and Young People from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Building the Future: Social Work with Children, Young People
and Their Families
(Russell House Publishing, 2002)
Social work with children, young people and their families is demanding
and challenging work. It has long been argued that basic social work training
is not enough to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills they
need to face the challenges of life as a qualified social worker. The
introduction of the postqualifying award in child care has been welcomed
by many as an important step forward, much needed to bolster learning
and professional development to support social work staff in facing the
major demands of child care practice.
‘My aim here is to provide a platform from which to build social work
practice based on a sound understanding of some of the key issues that relate
to the tasks involved. The book will not tell you all you need to know but
it should equip you with at least a major proportion of the basics, with avenues
to further development indicated as appropriate.’ The author
‘... clearly written and readable - It does extremely well.’ Young
Minds
‘... while there is clear evidence of progress over the last ten years
or so, it is also clear there is a considerable way to go. Research, education
and training will play a vital role in this. In many respects the quality of
the service is very dependent on the quality of the professionals involved.
It is in this context that the book by Professor Neil Thompson is very much
to be welcomed ... by everybody involved in the Postqualifying Child Care programmes,
whether they be candidates, teachers, mentors, those in agencies, or those
who are considering embarking on such a programme - While the book is primarily
aimed at candidates on such postqualifying programmes, together with those
on qualifying programmes, it would be a mistake to see the book as an uncritical
set of training materials - far from it. A major strength of the book is the
way it locates itself in a set of principles and themes which encourage a critical
and reflective approach to practice – in a way which is engaging and
is likely to extend and challenge candidates' thinking and practice. From the
outset the book is explicitly located in a set of values which takes seriously
the ideas around:
- child-centredness
- a critical perspective
- the importance of meaning
- reflective practice
- the positives associated with being professional.'
Professor Nigel Parton, Centre for Applied Childhood Studies, University of Huddersfield.
Buy Building the Future from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson,
Michael Murphy and Steve Stradling
Meeting the Stress Challenge
(Russell House Publishing, 1996)
Provides guidance for individual staff, for managers and for trainers.
Originally a photocopiable A4 wiro manual, this successful and practical
resource is now available as an A5 paperback at a price individuals
can afford. You can still copy the exercises, handouts, checklists and
OHPs. (Set your enlarger to 141%.) Now you can also conveniently carry
around your personal copy. Please don't misunderstand. This is not a
collection of ideas on how to unwind on your commute or relax when you're
home. What you will find is:
- an overview of how to understand pressure and stress at work
- practical guidelines on how the problems and 'myths' can be challenged by organisations, teams and individuals.
Stress at work is not much fun, costly, and potentially debilitating. Stress at work is also something that can be alleviated. Here are ideas on how you can make a difference. Emphasis is given to:
- the special stress conditions in social care organisations
- developing mechanisms for identifying and dealing with stress
- stress management training.
Why not test your line manager's sense of humour? Give them a copy of the ever-popular section: 25 WAYS TO STRESS OUT YOUR STAFF!
Buy Meeting the Stress Challenge from Learning Curve Publishing
Ros Harrison, Geoffrey
Mann, Michael Murphy, Alan Taylor and Neil Thompson
Partnership Made Painless: A Joined-Up Guide to Working
Together
(Russell House Publishing, 2003)
‘Until now there has been no book that sought to give practitioners or managers explicit guidance in how to make partnerships work. This volume seeks to fill that gap – it does so admirably – an accessible “how-to-do-it” approach – the practical experience of the authors in establishing and nurturing partnerships does give the book the feel of lived reality – clear and succinct.’ Vista. It ‘is forthright about the fact that it may, at times, be more difficult to work in partnership than to continue in splendid isolation, but it also remains unequivocal in its belief that partnership working ultimately results in better outcomes for both clients and staff. By using examples from a wide range of work situations the book succeeds in drawing out those themes – and identifying those skills – which are common to all partnership work.’ ACT Bulletin. ‘How refreshing to read a book that goes beyond the rhetoric and addresses some of the problems which can accompany it – will be of practical help.’ Community Care.
Buy Partnership Made Painless from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Promoting Workplace Learning
(The Policy Press, 2006)
This book provides a valuable overview of the key issues
involved in successfully promoting workplace learning. Building on ideas
discussed in the author's best-selling work, Practice Teaching in
Social Work (2nd edn, Pepar Publications, 1994), this clearly written
text covers not only developments in traditional practice learning, but
also wider aspects of workplace learning, such as coaching and mentoring,
and the development of a learning culture. It examines what is involved
in promoting student learning for awards such as S/NVQ or PQ, and contains
invaluable guidance for those facing wider challenges in the field.
‘This is an excellent book, written in an accessible style, which clearly
explains the essential ingredients of workplace learning. The book will be
of immense value to a range of health and social care staff and those involved
in facilitating their education and continuing professional development.’ George
Wilson, Queen's University Belfast, UK
Workplace learning is receiving increasing attention as an important factor in developing high standards of professional practice. Promoting Workplace Learning provides a clear introduction to a vitally important topic. It is an essential resource for learning facilitators, assessors, mentors, training and development staff, and managers in the social work field. The principles discussed will also be relevant to managers and human resource professionals in other sectors.
Buy Promoting Workplace Learning from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Stress Matters
(Pepar Publications, 1999)
A short, practical guide to help individuals deal with stress. It succeeds in avoiding the oversimplification associated with much of the popular literature on stress and coping.
Available only from Learning Curve Publishing (see offer below)
Neil Thompson
Crisis Intervention Revisited
(Pepar Publications, 1991)
Described by one reviewer as ‘a little gem’, this book provides a short but helpful introduction to the theory and practice of crisis intervention.
Available only from Learning Curve Publishing (see offer below)
Neil Thompson
Tackling Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace
(Pepar Publications, 2000)
A practical guide which highlights the problems of bullying and harassment and offers help on how to deal with the difficulties that arise.
Available only from Learning Curve Publishing (see offer below)
PEPAR Publications: Special Offer
PEPAR Publications are no longer trading. However, Stress Matters, Tackling Bullying and Harassment in the Workplace and Crisis Intervention Revisited are now being distributed through Learning Curve Publications. They are available at the bargain price of £4 each or all three for £10 (they count as one item for postage and packaging purposes).
Sue Thompson
Age Discrimination
(Russell House Publishing, 2005)
Showing how victims of age discrimination can even be made to feel undeserving of anything better, this important book helps you understand how powerful a process it is. It:
- introduces a theoretical framework relating to personal prejudice and cultural and institutional issues
- helps you consider whether your practices reinforce or challenge ageism
- explores how ageism interacts with other forms of oppression
- offers a gateway to the extensive literature base and other resources.
‘Deals with the subject of age discrimination in a no-nonsense way – highly recommended – both informative and challenging.’ Rostrum.
‘Explores the uncritical equation of age with “burden”, “dependency”, and “welfare problems”, and the dehumanisation that can result – can inform and stimulate.’ Professional Social Work.
‘Quite a number of the practice examples given in the book refer to children and young people.’ Children Webmag.
‘Interspersed with personal and practice-focused exercises that fuel further thought.’ Community Care.
‘Extremely accessible – outlines a useful theoretical framework for understanding how ageism operates from the individual level of ageist behaviours and prejudice, through negative representations in the media and within institutions – It draws from an extensive literature base, is well-structured, includes useful exercises throughout to help readers link theory and practice – an important addition to all bookshelves.’ Nursing Standard
Buy Age Discrimination from Learning Curve Publishing
Sue Thompson
From Where I’m Sitting …’
(Russell House Publishing, 2002)
'One of the most thoroughly and practically written books on the context
of working with older people that I have ever read.' Resources Hotline
It not only 'provides guidance for those just starting out in this demanding
field of work, but also offers opportunities to experienced staff to reflect,
debate and improve. I have tested several chapters out with new and experienced
care workers and the feedback was very positive - The training exercises
are not just based on the older person's perspective, but clearly help
staff to explore their own perspectives. Importance is given to the fact
that if staff needs are not met, they will not be 'well placed' to meet
the needs of others - could be very useful to staff considering embarking
on S/NVQ training.’ Rostrum.
This manual is designed as an aid to learning for anyone involved in the
care of older people: in group living situations – such as residential
or nursing homes – hospitals, assisted housing schemes, or in their
own homes. Photocopiable, it can be used by training
staff or managers and homeowners who wish to run training sessions for
relevant staff groups. It provides guidance for those just starting out
in this demanding field of work, and opportunities for reflection and
debate amongst more experienced workers.
'– useful, thought-provoking, evokes a response and expands our
vigorous presence in ways that enable, not coerce, the older person in
our midst – a compendium of ideas and resources that will serve
well ... This book deserves wide circulation.' Resources Hotline
It includes:
- background information
- handouts for courses or training sessions
- guidance on training exercises
- overhead transparency templates.
You can use this manual in a systematic and structured way, working through its 33 exercises; or dip in as you see fit.
Buy From Where I'm Sitting from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
and Sue Thompson
Community Care
(Russell House Publishing, 2005)
‘A thoughtful and critical account of underpinning theory and practice issues.’ Community Care.
‘Emphasises the importance of a critical approach to reflective and systematic practice.’ Professional Social Work.
‘An admirably accessible text – skilfully designed to build
up readers’ knowledge and understanding by introducing key themes
and their interrelationships before systematically relating them to practice – designed
to promote good practice amongst frontline professionals.’ Community
Safety Journal
Succinct and clear, this book:
- provides an introductory overview of the theory base underpinning community care practice, laying the foundations for future learning and development
- builds on that foundation by exploring a range of practice issues
- addresses issues of discrimination and oppression to try to ensure that practice is based on principles of equality and social justice
- offers a gateway to the extensive literature base and other resources, to help readers make the most of the learning opportunities available
- sets out exercises at various points in the text that help deepen understanding and link theory and practice.
Buy Community Care from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil
Thompson and Sue Thompson
Understanding Social Care
(Russell House Publishing)
Now in an updated 2nd edition, 2007
Working with people with social care needs is challenging and demanding.
It is complex work that relies on an extensive knowledge base and a wide
range of skills. This book will help you develop a much firmer and much
better-developed grasp of that knowledge base. It can be used by anyone
wanting to develop a fuller understanding of what is involved in this
complex and fascinating world. But it has been written with the principal
goal of providing a guide to the underpinning knowledge requirements of
the S/NVQ Awards in Care at level 4, particularly those aspects that relate
to the mandatory units.
‘... very clearly laid out with a range of useful exercises that encourage
the reader to reflect, both on their own practice and on reading that they
have undertaken – The spiral bound presentation also enables the exercises
to be more easily accessed and there is sufficient space to make notes – The
layout of the book, with its range of 'one-liner' points and the use of bold
print and headings, makes this seem a less daunting publication than other
theoretical material that is available – it would encourage an individual
working through Level 4 to be able to feel enthused not only to explore specific
issues such as assessment, but also to look at how they might take their thinking
further – I would recommend this book to anybody involved in S/NVQ Awards
in Care at Level 4 and feel it would also be a valuable starting point to social
work students at the beginning of their training.’ Rostrum
It provides:
- a clear summary and overview of many of the key issues that go to make up the underpinning knowledge base
- an introductory foundation to your studies
- a guide to further development and clear links to author Neil Thompson's companion book People Skills (Palgrave Macmillan, 2002).
Many candidates will already have a lot of experience in working in social
care. Whatever the level of your experience, this book will help you link
the elements of your knowledge into a more coherent and constructive framework
of understanding. It will make it easier for you to provide - and demonstrate
- evidence of this, as part of your S/NVQ portfolio. Throughout, exercises
are provided to help you check and deepen your understanding. They may
also be useful as part of your portfolio.
This book will also be of interest to candidates, assessors and mentors
for programmes at Levels 2 and 3 and for other social care related courses.
Buy Understanding Social Care from Learning Curve Publishing
Neil Thompson
Power and Empowerment
ISBN 978-1-903855-99-7
Empowerment has become a well-used term across a wide variety of work settings that involve dealing with people and their problems. But is it a central part of good practice or an empty word? And what of power? It is a central theme of human services practice but, like empowerment, is often only loosely examined.
"A useful gateway to the complexity of power and empowerment – as succinct an introduction as one could wish for – It is a book which speaks a strong commitment to social justice and which also provides a welcome antidote to the tendency to polarise powerful’ and powerless – Neil Thompson provides an altogether more subtle and compelling analysis – I can see experienced practitioners and practice teachers enjoying it. This is a book that goes well beyond the rhetoric." Professor Mark Doel, Sheffield Hallam University.
Power and Empowerment is part of the Theory into Practice Series, which Neil Thompson edits. Each book in the Series can be read either as a general overview of particular areas of theory and practice, or as a foundation for further study.
Buy Power and Empowerment from Learning Curve Publishing
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