The Strengths Approach in Practice: How It Changes Lives

In the global emergencies our world faces, the strengths approach is needed now more than ever. Commonly misunderstood, its true power as a whole systems approach to release the potential of individuals, communities and their environments has been neglected. For those brave enough to embrace it, this book offers theoretical and practical encouragement.

The authors use a case study of their work with a unique non-governmental organisation in the United Kingdom that combines student placements with support for refugees. They illustrate what it really means to adopt a strengths approach in practice. Chapters include the strengths approach to funding, organisational development, management and governance as well as immigration law, student learning and research.

This book will give readers grounds for optimism as well as transferable practices for challenging social injustice.

Avril Bellinger, Honorary Associate Professor in Social Work at University of Plymouth and academic activist, is the founder and Chair of Students and Refugees Together (START).

Deirdre Ford is a registered social worker, associate of Research in Practice and trustee of Students and Refugees Together (START).