Jo Aldridge – författare

This book examines the nature of participatory research in the social sciences and its role in increasing participation among vulnerable or marginalised populations. Drawing on engaging in-depth case studies, it examines the ways in which inclusion and collaboration in research can be enhanced among vulnerable participants, such as those with profound learning difficulties, victims of abuse and trauma and multiply vulnerable children and young people, and shows how useful it can be with these groups. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, researchers and academics in many countries who want to put participatory research methods into practice.

This book examines the nature of participatory research in the social sciences and its role in increasing participation among vulnerable or marginalised populations. Drawing on engaging in-depth case studies, it examines the ways in which inclusion and collaboration in research can be enhanced among vulnerable participants, such as those with profound learning difficulties, victims of abuse and trauma and multiply vulnerable children and young people, and shows how useful it can be with these groups. The book will be an invaluable resource for students, researchers and academics in many countries who want to put participatory research methods into practice.

Meet Carly. Carly is a young person caring for her mother who has Multiple Sclerosis and depression.Part of the best-selling Can I Tell You about... series, this book raises awareness about children who live with and care for parents or other relatives in the home. It describes what young carers like Carly do, and the practical and emotional impact caring can have on home and school life, both positive and negative. It also explains what support is available for young carers, including from family, friends and teachers as well as other professionals and online. Carly's story will help young carers explore their worries and concerns, and help family members and professionals support young carers.

Little is known about the experiences of children living in families affected by severe and enduring mental illness. This is the first in-depth study of children and young people caring for parents affected in this way. Drawing on primary research data collected from 40 families, the book presents the perspectives of children (young carers), their parents and the key professionals in contact with them. Children caring for parents with mental illness makes an invaluable contribution to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children. It:· is the first research-based text to examine the experiences and needs of children caring for parents with severe mental illness;· provides the perspectives of children, parents and key professionals in contact with these families;· reviews existing medical, social, child protection and young carers literatures on parental mental illness and consequences for children; · provides a chronology and guide to relevant law and policy affecting young carers and parents with severe mental illness;· makes concrete recommendations and suggestions for improving policy and professional practice;· contributes to the growing evidence base on parental mental illness and outcomes for children and families.

Although there is growing interest among health and social care professionals in the social and therapeutic value of horticulture, there is little evidence that demonstrates the range of outcomes for vulnerable groups, including those with learning difficulties and mental health problems. This report addresses this gap in knowledge and presents the findings of the Growing Together project, the first detailed study of horticulture and gardening projects across the UK. The report is aimed at policy makers, professionals, researchers and students in the fields of health and social care and occupational and horticultural therapy who are hungry for hard evidence in this new field, as well as anyone interested in addressing the needs of vulnerable and socially excluded adults.The Growing Together project is a partnership between Loughborough University and Thrive and has been funded by the Big Lottery Fund. This report complements a practice guide, Growing together: A practice guide to promoting social inclusion through gardening and horticulture, which is also available from The Policy Press.