Neil Thompson – författare

Now going into its seventh edition, Neil Thompson's Anti-Discriminatory Practice has been providing a trusted introduction to the challenges of promoting social justice and equality for a quarter of a century. Addressing the common concepts and issues across the various forms of discrimination, this book explores the reasons why the development of anti-discriminatory practice is so vital, and examines the steps that need to be taken towards constructing a social work practice based on principles of anti-discrimination and the promotion of equality. Promoting social justice, diversity and equality in social work practice is as vital today as it was when Anti-Discriminatory Practice was first published, and there is still much to learn. Written with Thompson's inimitable clarity, this new, fully updated edition of a classic text is key reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students of social work. Practitioners will also benefit hugely from Neil Thompson’s experience and expertise.New to this Edition:- A new edition of a popular and trusted textbook fully updated to reflect the many changes since the last edition- Voice of Experience and Practice Focus examples, encourage readers to think contextually and integrate theory and practice- An explicit theory base, with key points from each chapter drawn out to highlight specific main themes- A range of questions for reflection and guidance on further learningAccompanying online resources for this title can be found at bloomsburyonlineresources.com/the-effective-social-worker. These resources are designed to support teaching and learning when using this textbook and are available at no extra cost.

The book is an in-depth review of the theory and empirics of the demand for money and other financial assets. The different theoretical approaches to the portfolio choice problem are described, together with an up-to-date survey of the results obtained from empirical studies of asset choice behaviour.

Dealing with Stress tackles the complex issues of pressure and stress in social work. It covers aspects of research and theory but its main focus is on practice - the practical application of an informed approach to stress management. It provides guidance for managers and practitioners and promotes a positive, but realistic, approach to coping with the pressures of an occupation which deals with human misery, loss, suffering, oppression and deprivation. In doing this, it takes account of the dilemmas, conflicts and tensions inherent in the social work role and the political and organisational contexts in which they occur.

This edited volume explores the wide range of practice situations across the human services in which issues loss and grief are likely to be important. It also extends understandings of loss and grief beyond death-related losses, encompassing new developments in the theoretical literature. Addressing the social and political dimensions of loss and grief as well as the psychological dimensions, this text brings together contributors from a variety of disciplines, professional background and countries, including such renowned figures as Dame Cicely Saunders and Robert A.Neimeyer.

“This book stands out for its integration of knowledge from lived experience, inclusive practice, and compassionate pedagogy - making it essential reading for students and practitioners alike.” Lucy Basterra, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, University of Brighton, UK “I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone committed to reflective, ethical, and compassionate social work practice.” Gwenan Prysor, Senior Lecturer in Social Work, Bangor University, UKSocial Work Reflections is a compelling testament to the significance and impact of social work. Recognizing the challenges practitioners face in an increasingly complex and evolving field, this edited collection brings together diverse perspectives from educators, practitioners and managers to showcase the vital role social workers play in advancing social justice and safeguarding society’s most vulnerable members. Drawing on the expertise of academics, practitioners and individuals with the lived experience of social work services, this book aims to inspire progress and empower students, practitioners and managers at all levels of study and practice by emphasizing their value as drivers of individual and collective change. The book:Emphasizes the core values of social work: social justice, dignity and compassionIntegrates theoretical insights with lived experiences from diverse contributors, enriching nuanced areas of practiceEncourages development of critical thinking and reflection skillsOffers encouragement to practitioners, managers and students striving to achieve positive outcomes under challenging circumstancesSocial Work Reflections is the essential companion for students, newly qualified social workers, practitioners and managers. Of value to anyone considering a career in social work, this book reaffirms the crucial role social work plays in building a more just and compassionate society.Neil Thompson is an award-winning writer and educator and a visiting professor at the Open University and Wrexham University, UK.Sarah Vicary is Professor of Social Work and Mental Health at The Open University, UK.

Promoting Resilience offers a fresh perspective that views resilience through a sociological lens, emphasizing the significance of loss issues and highlighting a range of practice implications across a wide range of fields. Drawing on the expertise of a wide range of contributors, the book provides a solid foundation for developing a fuller and more holistic picture of the many challenges associated with promoting resilience. Chapters present a range of sociological perspectives that cast light on trauma and vulnerability. Combining theoretical richness with practical insights, chapter authors bring a sociological lens to enrich understanding of loss and adversity. This volume offers a bedrock of understanding for students, clinicians, and researchers who want to extend and deepen their knowledge of the sociological aspects of overcoming life challenges.

Promoting Resilience offers a fresh perspective that views resilience through a sociological lens, emphasizing the significance of loss issues and highlighting a range of practice implications across a wide range of fields. Drawing on the expertise of a wide range of contributors, the book provides a solid foundation for developing a fuller and more holistic picture of the many challenges associated with promoting resilience. Chapters present a range of sociological perspectives that cast light on trauma and vulnerability. Combining theoretical richness with practical insights, chapter authors bring a sociological lens to enrich understanding of loss and adversity. This volume offers a bedrock of understanding for students, clinicians, and researchers who want to extend and deepen their knowledge of the sociological aspects of overcoming life challenges.

Death and Dying is an important core text for students and professionals interested in developing a holistic understanding of death and dying. Chapters are replete with case studies, activities, key point boxes, and other features that enable readers to develop a sociologically informed understanding of the broad range of complex issues that underpin death and dying. Written by two established and highly respected experts in the field, it offers a thoroughgoing account of a wide range of social aspects of death and dying, filling gaps left by the traditionally narrow focus of the existing literature. By drawing the suggested sociological perspectives and highlighting the role of social policy, the authors put forward a fresh perspective of the field of thanatology. This book is a major contribution in progressing knowledge and understanding of dying and death for students and professionals in counseling, health and human services.

Death and Dying is an important core text for students and professionals interested in developing a holistic understanding of death and dying. Chapters are replete with case studies, activities, key point boxes, and other features that enable readers to develop a sociologically informed understanding of the broad range of complex issues that underpin death and dying. Written by two established and highly respected experts in the field, it offers a thoroughgoing account of a wide range of social aspects of death and dying, filling gaps left by the traditionally narrow focus of the existing literature. By drawing the suggested sociological perspectives and highlighting the role of social policy, the authors put forward a fresh perspective of the field of thanatology. This book is a major contribution in progressing knowledge and understanding of dying and death for students and professionals in counseling, health and human services.

The workplace is not immune to the problems, pressures, and challenges presented by experiences of loss and trauma and the grief reactions they produce. This clearly written, well-crafted book offers important insights and understanding to help us appreciate the difficulties involved and prepare ourselves for dealing with such demanding situations when they arise. People's experiences of loss and trauma are, of course, not left at the factory gate or the office door. Nor are loss and traumatic events absent from the workplace itself. Loss, grief, and trauma are very much a part of life - and that includes working life. Executives, managers, human resource professionals, and employee assistance staff need to have at least a basic understanding of how loss, grief, and trauma affect people in the workplace. This book provides that foundation of understanding and offers guidance on how to find out more about these vitally important workplace issues.The text provides a valuable blend of theory and practice that will be of interest to those involved in management, human resources, and organizational studies as well as those interested in the social scientific study of loss, grief, and trauma - and, of course, to those involved in the helping professions. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with making the workplace a more humane and effective environment, or anyone wishing to develop an understanding of the complexities of loss, grief, and trauma in our lives.

Mental Health and Well-Being provides a sound foundation for understanding alternatives to the medical model of mental health. Students and professionals alike will find an easy to understand overview of critiques of the dominant medical model of mental health and well-being, both longstanding and more recent, and will come away from the book with a more theoretically sound, holistic conception of mental health and well-being. Written by an experienced mental health expert and replete with practical anecdotes, exercises, and examples to help readers apply the book’s material, this book offers an essential foundation for developing more humane mental health practices.

Mental Health and Well-Being provides a sound foundation for understanding alternatives to the medical model of mental health. Students and professionals alike will find an easy to understand overview of critiques of the dominant medical model of mental health and well-being, both longstanding and more recent, and will come away from the book with a more theoretically sound, holistic conception of mental health and well-being. Written by an experienced mental health expert and replete with practical anecdotes, exercises, and examples to help readers apply the book’s material, this book offers an essential foundation for developing more humane mental health practices.

The workplace is not immune to the problems, pressures, and challenges presented by experiences of loss and trauma and the grief reactions they produce. This clearly written, well-crafted book offers important insights and understanding to help us appreciate the difficulties involved and prepare ourselves for dealing with such demanding situations when they arise. People's experiences of loss and trauma are, of course, not left at the factory gate or the office door. Nor are loss and traumatic events absent from the workplace itself. Loss, grief, and trauma are very much a part of life - and that includes working life. Executives, managers, human resource professionals, and employee assistance staff need to have at least a basic understanding of how loss, grief, and trauma affect people in the workplace. This book provides that foundation of understanding and offers guidance on how to find out more about these vitally important workplace issues.The text provides a valuable blend of theory and practice that will be of interest to those involved in management, human resources, and organizational studies as well as those interested in the social scientific study of loss, grief, and trauma - and, of course, to those involved in the helping professions. It is essential reading for anyone concerned with making the workplace a more humane and effective environment, or anyone wishing to develop an understanding of the complexities of loss, grief, and trauma in our lives.

There are particular challenges involved in teaching social work. As with other professional disciplines, it is not simply a matter of passing on the key elements of the knowledge base; there is also the need to equip students to be able to make use of that knowledge in practice and in the context of relevant professional values.This book offers broad insights into effective social work education. It provides insightful guidance to 50 aspects of the social work curriculum and warns of common pitfalls and obstacles to learning. Practical suggestions for exercises and activities are presented in a clearly written, successful blend of theory and practice.Neil Thompson is a distinguished, international scholar and brings over 30 years of experience to a wide range of case studies and transferable skills that will provide a foundation for future social workers everywhere. This guide will be essential for academics teaching social work, practice educators and workforce and freelance development officers.

In this insightful book, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox highlight the detrimental effects and pervasiveness of ageist stereotypes, structures and practices. Stressing the importance of dignity in later-life care, they provide a well-informed basis for understanding the complexities of ageing and challenge ageist assumptions.Age and Dignity proposes a professional practice that not only avoids ageism, but also actively contributes to developing anti-ageist frameworks. Substantially building on key earlier work and the authors’ in-depth experience in care, ageing and bereavement, it provides a detailed overview of the processes and sociology of ageing and how these are affected by cultural differences. Successfully blending theory and practice, chapters examine various physical, psychological and social problems encountered when working with older people that can serve as a barrier to dignity, as well as how care duties can be carried out to ensure the respect of the ageing individual when dealing with issues such as dementia and grief.This practical yet scholarly book is an invigorating read for students and scholars of sociology, discrimination and gerontology. It will also appeal to anyone working with older people in any capacity, including health, social care and housing.

This important book successfully blends theory and practice to address authentic leadership from a non-essentialist angle. Drawing extensively on existentialist philosophy, it presents an alternative understanding of authenticity that challenges the essentialist notion of selfhood.In this second edition, Neil Thompson explores leadership as a people-centred undertaking, placing emphasis on the need for leaders to take ownership of their choices, and encourage their followers to do the same. New chapters address key issues such as workplace wellbeing, spirituality in the workplace, and remote and hybrid working. Thompson focuses on the human dimensions of leadership, as well as the significance of the workplace as a distinctly human social space.Authentic Leadership Revisited is a highly accessible resource crucial to the understanding of selfhood as a fluid concept. It will be of interest to students of management and leadership, as well as those studying philosophy and the sociology of organisations. Practising managers and leaders seeking illuminating examples of exemplary leadership behaviours will also find it beneficial.

Taking a holistic approach, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox propose a rich variety of methods for teaching death, grief and bereavement. Recognising the sensitivity and complexity of these issues, the authors have developed this guide to help teachers in higher and further education provide high-quality teaching and training around death and mortality, dying and end-of-life care and grief and bereavement.Thompson and Cox address the key challenges of teaching in these areas as well as the complex relationship between theory and practice, putting forward a ‘theorizing practice’ approach. Analysing the role of sociopolitical factors, such as gender and culture, the authors explore the differences between personal and collective responses to death and loss. The book also provides extensive practical guidance in the form of over 80 exercises, tips, advice on pitfalls to avoid, and handouts to be used in class.Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement is a valuable resource for teachers and lecturers specialising in death, grief and bereavement, as well as educators in social work, social care, healthcare, nursing and counselling.

In this insightful book, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox highlight the detrimental effects and pervasiveness of ageist stereotypes, structures and practices. Stressing the importance of dignity in later-life care, they provide a well-informed basis for understanding the complexities of ageing and challenge ageist assumptions.Age and Dignity proposes a professional practice that not only avoids ageism, but also actively contributes to developing anti-ageist frameworks. Substantially building on key earlier work and the authors’ in-depth experience in care, ageing and bereavement, it provides a detailed overview of the processes and sociology of ageing and how these are affected by cultural differences. Successfully blending theory and practice, chapters examine various physical, psychological and social problems encountered when working with older people that can serve as a barrier to dignity, as well as how care duties can be carried out to ensure the respect of the ageing individual when dealing with issues such as dementia and grief.This practical yet scholarly book is an invigorating read for students and scholars of sociology, discrimination and gerontology. It will also appeal to anyone working with older people in any capacity, including health, social care and housing.

This important book successfully blends theory and practice to address authentic leadership from a non-essentialist angle. Drawing extensively on existentialist philosophy, it presents an alternative understanding of authenticity that challenges the essentialist notion of selfhood.In this second edition, Neil Thompson explores leadership as a people-centred undertaking, placing emphasis on the need for leaders to take ownership of their choices, and encourage their followers to do the same. New chapters address key issues such as workplace wellbeing, spirituality in the workplace, and remote and hybrid working. Thompson focuses on the human dimensions of leadership, as well as the significance of the workplace as a distinctly human social space.Authentic Leadership Revisited is a highly accessible resource crucial to the understanding of selfhood as a fluid concept. It will be of interest to students of management and leadership, as well as those studying philosophy and the sociology of organisations. Practising managers and leaders seeking illuminating examples of exemplary leadership behaviours will also find it beneficial.

Taking a holistic approach, Neil Thompson and Gerry R. Cox propose a rich variety of methods for teaching death, grief and bereavement. Recognising the sensitivity and complexity of these issues, the authors have developed this guide to help teachers in higher and further education provide high-quality teaching and training around death and mortality, dying and end-of-life care and grief and bereavement.Thompson and Cox address the key challenges of teaching in these areas as well as the complex relationship between theory and practice, putting forward a ‘theorizing practice’ approach. Analysing the role of sociopolitical factors, such as gender and culture, the authors explore the differences between personal and collective responses to death and loss. The book also provides extensive practical guidance in the form of over 80 exercises, tips, advice on pitfalls to avoid, and handouts to be used in class.Teaching Death, Grief and Bereavement is a valuable resource for teachers and lecturers specialising in death, grief and bereavement, as well as educators in social work, social care, healthcare, nursing and counselling.

A bumper book of powerful problem-solving tools and techniques presented clearly and concisely by a highly respected author.Practitioners across the range of human services and managers in all sectors are constantly faced with problems of various kinds. Each of these is unique, however there will be general patterns that we can learn from. This book draws upon the author's extensive experience in teaching and training on problem-solving, providing students, practitioners and managers with a powerful repertoire of tools that can make a real difference in a wide range of situations.This easy-to-read text incorporates new challenges in the modern workplace such as;Artificial Intelligence,increased job insecurity,neurodivergence in relation to problem-solving, andsafeguarding our habitat.Packed with critical exercises and opportunities for reflection, Effective Problem Solving encourages readers to analyse difficult situations and provides guidance on how to respond to these challenges head-on, making a real impact. This book is a handy guide that will increase readers' skills and confidence.

This newly expanded and updated edition of Anti-Racism for Beginners offers guidance for engagement with anti-racism and anti-racist practices in interdisciplinary areas, from social work, healthcare and youth and community work through to business management.A range of frameworks, based on theoretical understanding and practical guidance, prompts critical thinking, encourages meaningful conversations and enables readers to play an active and positive part in promoting anti-racism. The concepts of intersectionality and allyship are central themes throughout the book and aid in tackling discrimination and oppression. Key points, practice examples and exercises allow for the integration of theory and practice.An ideal resource for managers, practitioners and students in social work and social care, healthcare, probation, police work, counselling, education and related areas.

This newly expanded and updated edition of Anti-Racism for Beginners offers guidance for engagement with anti-racism and anti-racist practices in interdisciplinary areas, from social work, healthcare and youth and community work through to business management.A range of frameworks, based on theoretical understanding and practical guidance, prompts critical thinking, encourages meaningful conversations and enables readers to play an active and positive part in promoting anti-racism. The concepts of intersectionality and allyship are central themes throughout the book and aid in tackling discrimination and oppression. Key points, practice examples and exercises allow for the integration of theory and practice.An ideal resource for managers, practitioners and students in social work and social care, healthcare, probation, police work, counselling, education and related areas.

Spirituality, whether or not rooted in religion, is a core feature of what it means to be human. This important practice manual explains why spirituality and religion should be a fundamental consideration for professions that are centred around helping people tackle their problems and fulfil their potential.The authors draw on their considerable expertise to challenge thinking, promote reflection and improve practice through a framework that takes complex concepts and makes them manageable and accessible. By fusing together theory, practice and values, a theorizing practice approach is promoted to encourage reflection and understanding, with exercises at the end of each chapter to stimulate the reader to think about how values inform practice.This insightful guide equips a wide range of practitioners and managers with an understanding of spirituality and religion within day-to-day practice to support others and nurture best results.

Spirituality, whether or not rooted in religion, is a core feature of what it means to be human. This important practice manual explains why spirituality and religion should be a fundamental consideration for professions that are centred around helping people tackle their problems and fulfil their potential.The authors draw on their considerable expertise to challenge thinking, promote reflection and improve practice through a framework that takes complex concepts and makes them manageable and accessible. By fusing together theory, practice and values, a theorizing practice approach is promoted to encourage reflection and understanding, with exercises at the end of each chapter to stimulate the reader to think about how values inform practice.This insightful guide equips a wide range of practitioners and managers with an understanding of spirituality and religion within day-to-day practice to support others and nurture best results.

This second edition of Values-Based Practice aids readers to understand the key role of values as a basis for effective practice across human services and beyond. Neglecting values when working with vulnerable people can lead to disastrous and unethical outcomes. However, the concept of values can be difficult to grasp.The authors combat this difficulty by fusing theoretical understanding with helpful practice guidance to clearly demonstrate how to keep values at the centre of good practice. Key concepts are provided and ideas for reflection offered to encourage the importance of understanding values in practice.An invaluable resource for practitioners and students across the human services, including education, health, social work and social care, youth work, counselling, pastoral and police, as well as probation professionals and managers across all sectors.

This second edition of Values-Based Practice aids readers to understand the key role of values as a basis for effective practice across human services and beyond. Neglecting values when working with vulnerable people can lead to disastrous and unethical outcomes. However, the concept of values can be difficult to grasp.The authors combat this difficulty by fusing theoretical understanding with helpful practice guidance to clearly demonstrate how to keep values at the centre of good practice. Key concepts are provided and ideas for reflection offered to encourage the importance of understanding values in practice.An invaluable resource for practitioners and students across the human services, including education, health, social work and social care, youth work, counselling, pastoral and police, as well as probation professionals and managers across all sectors.