Resources

This book makes an excellent introduction for people interested in how to really embed people who have traditionally been excluded, in the life of their community. The authors argue that simply receiving an accommodation or employment service in a community (that is, the 'place') does not constitute 'community life'. Real participation in a community comes about through relationships with others. Most people have a number of different sources of relationships which work to become their personal network,their own 'community life'. The book explores these different 'sources' in turn. Although it starts to suggest some practical ways of supporting such relationships, the authors don't pretend to have all the answers. They are also careful not to create an overly romantic view of 'community'. They argue that in working on ways of supporting people in old and new relationships, we may find ways of supporting greater quality in all our lives. Keyword: Friendship