HOMELESS EXPERIENCES, IDENTITIES AND CULTURES

edited by Mike Seal

Published by Russell House at £19.95. 183 pages.
ISBN 978-1-905541-06-05.

academics, service users, practitioners and other stakeholders challenge stereotypes of homeless identities. They examine how being passed through the many systems dealing with homelessness can become a very part of the identity of those who are homeless. Readers learn how this happens and implications for the process of change in both the individual and the practitioner and agency response. Seal also promotes a greater awareness of a professional identity for workers in the field.

I approached this useful, topical book from the perspective of being a provider of abstinence-based residential and day programme services for severely dependent drinkers and with a growing awareness and understanding of the essential need to address housing – as well as education/training and employment – as part of any well-constructed care plan to help clients maintain treatment gains. This book gives often-challenging learning and information for anyone working with the homeless or, indeed, in any context where housing is an issue. The authors' agenda for action will involve all who read it.

Simon Nicolle MSc MA MBACP (accred) is treatment director at Mount Carmel treatment centre in Streatham, London