Whilst those in healthcare might like to think that they work to reduce stigma and social exclusion of others, this book reveals many strategies by which healthcare professionals contribute to increasing these conditions. Written by practitioners, some of whom have themselves been stigmatised, the book exposes the hidden processes of prejudice and the dogma of ideology that permeate contemporary healthcare. Engaging with the realities of stigma through a grassroots approach, topics covered include: * hearing * sight * sexuality * HIV and AIDS * drug use * teenage pregnancy * breastfeeding * old age. Stigma and Social Exclusion in Healthcare provides practical solutions to problems, recommendations for training and a blueprint for the future. It will prove a valuable reference for all those wanting to deal with the issues of stigmatisation.

Based on historical fact, this is the story of a family of Huguenots who were smuggled across the channel in wine barrels in the year of 1710 to escape religious persecution in France. On arrival in London, they find sanctuary in the crypt of the protestant church in Threadneedle Street in the City of London. As the Bank of England's first governor was a Huguenot, money was made available for many refugee families to set up businesses. Once these businesses were profitable, the loans were paid back to the Huguenot funds. This was the true account for Henri de Portals who was smuggled across the channel in a wine barrel with his siblings and landed in Southampton. Henri was the man who set up the original paper mill in early 1700. The story of the family that I have included in this novel joined his workforce. The family in the story had to overcome many dangers and difficulties in setting up a home where they could grow up and enjoy their new found freedom, finally finding both love and happiness.