Carers and caring are contemporary global issues of growing political and societal significance. Changing demographics in the UK and beyond, as well as policy drivers promoting community-based living, mean that the family is increasingly the site of care for relatives with long term support needs. Whilst there is a plethora of literature on carers it tends to be situated in separate subject areas. For the first time Family Carers and Caring brings together a range of material and evidence about carers from different sources presented in an accessible and yet academically informed way. Milne and Larkin help to make sense of the complexities of family carers and caring, carving a coherent path through the academic, policy, socio-political, and practice terrain. Family Carers and Caring is explicitly underpinned by principles of social justice and rights, focusing on how inequalities intersect with caring.

""This is an easy-to-read introductory text exploring the social aspects of health, illness and healthcare. Key concepts are introduced carefully and there is a helpful glossary of key terms. Activities and discussion points enable students to pace their learning and illustrative case studies bring the text to life. In short, this is a gentle yet comprehensive introduction which will no doubt become popular with lecturers and students alike."
Dr Sarah Earle, Associate Dean Research, The Open University, UK

"Larkin's book provides an excellent and accessible read for students studying health related disciplines... a useful resource for those new to the subject area of social aspects of health, health care and illness and a good refresher for those that may not have studied the subject for some time or those returning to study. The reader will be left feeling informed around the key issues and theories."
Sabina Sattar, Senior Lecturer, University of Central Lancashire, UK

"I wish to congratulate Mary Larkin for creating such a useful resource. The structure of this book and the writing style employed makes light work of complex subjects. The overview at the beginning of each chapter is useful to signpost the student to the topics covered. Because the book is well explained throughout it would be a useful core text for level 4 5 & 6 modules in pre-and post registration nursing in the UK. Each chapter of this book directs the students reading and the interactive design fosters independent learning. This is a well written comprehensive text and is a 'must' for students in the pursuit of understanding the social aspects of health."
Peggy Murphy, Senior Lecturer (Nursing), Glyndwr University, UK

"Mary Larkin's textbook offers the nursing student a lively insight into many applied aspects of the social aspects of health and illness. It uses a variety of theoretical perspectives, and all concepts are clearly extrapolated. A variety of devices are then utilised to facilitate knowledge and understanding. This is an excellent resource, which I would highly recommend."
Siobhan McCullough, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Queen's University Belfast, UK

"Mary Larkin has written a comprehensive survey of contemporary health issues well suited to the needs of students of social aspects of health. Written in an accessible and lively style, the book covers an impressive range of theoretical approaches and substantive material, complemented by summaries, discussion questions and learning activities, to prompt students to reflect on their reading and to engage with the text."
Hannah Bradby, University of Warwick, UK

"I find this to be one of the most intuitive texts I have read to date as a student. Mary Larkin has an obvious passion for and belief in what she has written, making this all the more enjoyable and interesting to read."
Roisin Kiernan, Student nurse, Queen's University Belfast, UK

"A valuable book owing to its excellent contents, its effective layout and clear method of delivering information. It is well worth the price."
British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, May 2011

"I found this book to be very well thought out and well written... It gave me more insight into the academics of nursing. It's a book that would have been very beneficial to me when I first embarked on my nursing course in understanding key concepts..."
Antoinette Honegan, Student Nurse, Kingston University, UK"

This core textbook is the ideal companion text for students studying the social aspects of health and illness, whether it is as part of a health studies degree, nursing or other professional qualification related to health, social care, youth and community work and social work. Written at an introductory level this book is suitable for students new to this subject and looking for a broad and accessible text for use throughout their studies.

The book provides a comprehensive and contemporary exploration of a wide range of topics within the subject area of the social aspects of health, illness and healthcare. In so doing, it explores and explains the different relationships between social categories and health, different experiences of illness and the role of the healthcare provider in society. It includes self-contained chapters on: Gender Social class Ethnicity Ageing Physical ill health Mental health and illness Disability Death and dying Families, communities and healthcare Healthcare organisations and professions In addition to drawing together many different sources within this subject area, this engaging book is full of case studies, primary sources and activities for study, all of which will help you get to grips with the core concepts and themes in the study of health, illness and healthcare.

Using a life course approach, the main chapters in this truly original and enlightening text focus on health and well-being during each of our life stages. A wide range of contemporary literature from disciplines such as public health, sociology, epidemiology and social policy are drawn upon to examine key health and well-being issues in these stages, and to illustrate how health effects can accumulate across the life course. Interactive activities based on the text and on extracts from primary sources are used to encourage critical reflection and debate.

Mary Larkin's book will be essential reading for students on the many courses that need an understanding of health and well-being across all age groups. It will also be an invaluable resource for those in the health and social care sector as well as practitioners working in the field.

Using a life course approach, the main chapters in this truly original and enlightening text focus on health and well-being during each of our life stages. A wide range of contemporary literature from disciplines such as public health, sociology, epidemiology and social policy are drawn upon to examine key health and well-being issues in these stages, and to illustrate how health effects can accumulate across the life course. Interactive activities based on the text and on extracts from primary sources are used to encourage critical reflection and debate.

Mary Larkin's book will be essential reading for students on the many courses that need an understanding of health and well-being across all age groups. It will also be an invaluable resource for those in the health and social care sector as well as practitioners working in the field.

'The book makes it easy to dip into a topic and also gives good overviews of theories and applications. This will definitely help students' Lesley Groom, University of Bolton Carefully-researched and highly readable this textbook looks at the experiences and health and social needs of key 'vulnerable groups'. It presents an engaging social science perspective relevant to everyone exploring how we, and society, care for the vulnerable. Each chapter defines and explores a vulnerable social group, bringing together theoretical, policy and practice perspectives. The chapters explore contemporary debates and offer a number of differing and thought provoking viewpoints. The lively and engaging style enables the reader to engage with the client group and to reflect upon their own learning and practice in a more meaningful way. Groups covered include: - Disabled People - Children - Older People - Those Living with Mental Illness - Ethnic Minorities - The Homeless. Suggestions about further study, chapter activities and a glossary of key concepts support students' learning and develop understanding across the social sciences. The book will be invaluable for all those taking courses across health and social care. It will also be a great reference book for practitioners.

'The book makes it easy to dip into a topic and also gives good overviews of theories and applications. This will definitely help students' Lesley Groom, University of Bolton Carefully-researched and highly readable this textbook looks at the experiences and health and social needs of key 'vulnerable groups'. It presents an engaging social science perspective relevant to everyone exploring how we, and society, care for the vulnerable. Each chapter defines and explores a vulnerable social group, bringing together theoretical, policy and practice perspectives. The chapters explore contemporary debates and offer a number of differing and thought provoking viewpoints. The lively and engaging style enables the reader to engage with the client group and to reflect upon their own learning and practice in a more meaningful way. Groups covered include: - Disabled People - Children - Older People - Those Living with Mental Illness - Ethnic Minorities - The Homeless. Suggestions about further study, chapter activities and a glossary of key concepts support students' learning and develop understanding across the social sciences. The book will be invaluable for all those taking courses across health and social care. It will also be a great reference book for practitioners.

When her mother leaves the family home in Belfast for her lover, Louise McGuigan is left feeling betrayed. It is up to Louise to look after her brother and sister while her father loses himself to alcohol. Returning to work at the local linen factory, she has to endure the cruel gossip about her so-called righteous mother and when Conor O'Rourke, the man of her dreams, continues to drag his heels about their future together, Louise doesn't know how much more she can take. Louise's luck appears to change when she finds alternative employment in a local bookshop, but her family troubles still weigh heavy on her mind. And when she seeks solace in the arms of a man who isn't Conor, things become even more complicated. Can Louise find happiness with the right man or will she be tied to her troubled family for ever? Set in Belfast in the 1920s, Shades of Deceit is a gripping story of heartbreak, loyalty and hope from much-loved bestselling author Mary Larkin.

To her neighbours in Belfast, Maura Brady looks like she has it all - an attractive husband, a comfortable home and a gorgeous little boy, Danny. But behind closed doors, things are far from idyllic. Maura has long harboured doubts that her husband Adam only married her because he was quickly trying to mend a broken heart. Years ago, Adam's childhood sweetheart Evelyn suddenly left town to marry a rich, older man and left Adam shocked and shaken. But now that Evelyn has returned, as gorgeous and provocative as ever, can Adam keep his unresolved feelings for her in check? As Maura's suspicions grow, she turns to her good friend Francie for support - but will her own innocent feelings spill into something more with him? As the date of young Danny's birthday party draws near, the future of Adam and Maura's marriage hangs in the balance . . .

1971. With the troubles in Belfast at their height, a happy domestic life is something that Tess Maguire yearns for. Yet the political and social unrest are sending ripples of uncertainty through every aspect of her life. Whilst her partnership with her friend Theresa Cunningham in a dressmaking firm is successful, it's beginning to affect her romantic interests. Theresa's boyfriend Bob always seems to be near Tess. Near enough, one night, to declare his true feelings for her... Tess, in confusion, has to confront her own mixed up emotions concerning Bob. And to address her feelings for her own ever-faithful boyfriend Tony. Especially when he asks her to marry him ... Tess's widowed mother Alice marries Dan, her long-standing partner who can now spend the rest of his years with Alice and his beloved grandson Jackie. Jackie is almost an orphan: his father Jack died in a motorcycle accident. His mother Colette may as well be dead - she decamped to Canada shortly after his birth. But then Colette suddenly shows up to reclaim her son and her arrival in Belfast opens old wounds, triggers a bitter custody battle - and unearths secrets that will change everyone's lives for ever.

Belfast, 1907. Ignoring her family's outrage, Maggie Pierce has left her comfortable home and married her Catholic sweetheart, Paul Mason. Together they set up home in the Falls Road, but Maggie finds it difficult to settle until she finds an ally in the form of Paul's landlady, Mollie Grahame. The birth of baby Sarah cements the young couple's happiness, but a second pregnancy brings a double tragedy and soon Maggie finds herself penniless and alone, struggling to survive in a harsh and uncaring world. A moving saga of extraordinary things that happen to ordinary people, TIES OF LOVE AND HATE presents a gritty and vivid portrayal of a time and place, populated by characters as endearing as they are realistic.

Life in 1920s Belfast is hard for the working class people, but the McGuigans are more fortunate than most. But when eldest son Johnnie shatters the family's peaceful existence with a shocking and unwelcome revelation, opinions become divided. And there are secrets in other quarters, too, when sister Louise discovers her boyfriend is hiding something - a secret so terrible it threatens their engagement. The once close-knit family are forced to make a series of painful decisions that will change all their lives for ever.