David N. Thomas

Originally published in 1983, The Making of Community Work is the outcome of a two-year study of community work in the United Kingdom. The main purpose of the study was to review the development of community work, and to suggest some of the issues in practice and training that might be important in the 1980s. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with the emergence of community work as an occupation; David Thomas tries to clarify its contribution to a number of political and social processes, and to define community work in a way which distinguishes it from other kinds of interventions. The second part of the book deals with training, research, literature and employment in community work; it includes a review of college and field-based training opportunities, and a critical discussion of the state of theory and ideology in the occupation.It was hoped it would be an important source of ideas and inspiration for the years ahead. It was the first major review of community work since its re-discovery in the 1960s; it will still be of interest to all those involved in community work, or wishing to understand its influence on other professions. The book was intended for fieldworkers, administrators, policy-makers, trainers and students in community work and in related occupations and disciplines. Thomas presents his ideas clearly, and his ability to look critically at some of the basic assumptions in community work makes for stimulating and enjoyable reading.

Originally published in 1983, The Making of Community Work is the outcome of a two-year study of community work in the United Kingdom. The main purpose of the study was to review the development of community work, and to suggest some of the issues in practice and training that might be important in the 1980s. Much of the first part of the book is taken up with the emergence of community work as an occupation; David Thomas tries to clarify its contribution to a number of political and social processes, and to define community work in a way which distinguishes it from other kinds of interventions. The second part of the book deals with training, research, literature and employment in community work; it includes a review of college and field-based training opportunities, and a critical discussion of the state of theory and ideology in the occupation. It was hoped it would be an important source of ideas and inspiration for the years ahead. It was the first major review of community work since its re-discovery in the 1960s; it will still be of interest to all those involved in community work, or wishing to understand its influence on other professions. The book was intended for fieldworkers, administrators, policy-makers, trainers and students in community work and in related occupations and disciplines. Thomas presents his ideas clearly, and his ability to look critically at some of the basic assumptions in community work makes for stimulating and enjoyable reading.

Originally published in 1986, White Bolts, Black Locks was a major contribution to the national debate about racism, racial justice and the relationships between the white and black British. It examines the participation of black people in community activities, and the effects on that participation of personal and institutional forms of racism. This thought-provoking and readable book has much to say to white and black professionals who work together, for the author describes the way in which ‘white speak’ and ‘black speak’ are used to build self-protective stockades. David Thomas explores the idea of community capability, and how black and white neighbours try to live together and improve their livelihood. He presents stimulating material about neighbourhoods, and suggests why they must be given more recognition as a proper part of the social structure. The book will still be of historical interest to practitioners, volunteers and local residents working in urban neighbourhoods, and to students in social work, community development, politics, sociology and social policy and administration. It is a book that should not be ignored by anyone with an interest in the significance of neighbourhood processes and development.

Originally published in 1986, White Bolts, Black Locks was a major contribution to the national debate about racism, racial justice and the relationships between the white and black British. It examines the participation of black people in community activities, and the effects on that participation of personal and institutional forms of racism. This thought-provoking and readable book has much to say to white and black professionals who work together, for the author describes the way in which ‘white speak’ and ‘black speak’ are used to build self-protective stockades.David Thomas explores the idea of community capability, and how black and white neighbours try to live together and improve their livelihood. He presents stimulating material about neighbourhoods, and suggests why they must be given more recognition as a proper part of the social structure.The book will still be of historical interest to practitioners, volunteers and local residents working in urban neighbourhoods, and to students in social work, community development, politics, sociology and social policy and administration. It is a book that should not be ignored by anyone with an interest in the significance of neighbourhood processes and development.

Originally published in 1976, the aim of this book was to understand the contribution of community work to meeting some of the problems to be found in many of Britain’s inner city neighbourhoods. It describes the community work process and the tasks, roles and skills of the professional community worker as he interacts with neighbourhood groups and service agencies. The author also indicates some of the strengths of collective action and its likely benefits and costs to those who participate. The book includes an examination of how to effect changes in the delivery of services from statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as an assessment of the community project of which the author was a staff member. The book is a contribution to the theory of community work and practice, and it is based upon the experience of those who worked in, and used, the Southwark Community Project, established by the National Institute for Social Work. It was written for practitioners, teachers and students of community work, as well as for other closely involved in community affairs such as teachers, playground workers, planners and social workers.

Skills in Neighbourhood Work is a practice textbook. It explains the skills, knowledge and techniques needed by community workers and other practitioners to work effectively in and with communities. While the principles and methods it describes have stood the test of time, the political, economic and social changes which have taken place since the book was first published have made new editions essential. Rewritten and updated to include new practice examples, this fifth edition retains all the practical information needed by the student or practitioner but sets it in the contemporary context. Including a European perspective and views from North America and Australia, it covers:Starting, supporting and ending work with community groupsEvaluationData collectionGoals and prioritiesMaking contactsGroup work Helping groups work with other organisations.This invaluable textbook is essential reading for students and practitioners of community work.

Skills in Neighbourhood Work is a practice textbook. It explains the skills, knowledge and techniques needed by community workers and other practitioners to work effectively in and with communities. While the principles and methods it describes have stood the test of time, the political, economic and social changes which have taken place since the book was first published have made new editions essential. Rewritten and updated to include new practice examples, this fifth edition retains all the practical information needed by the student or practitioner but sets it in the contemporary context. Including a European perspective and views from North America and Australia, it covers:Starting, supporting and ending work with community groupsEvaluationData collectionGoals and prioritiesMaking contactsGroup work Helping groups work with other organisations.This invaluable textbook is essential reading for students and practitioners of community work.

Originally published in 1976, the aim of this book was to understand the contribution of community work to meeting some of the problems to be found in many of Britain’s inner city neighbourhoods. It describes the community work process and the tasks, roles and skills of the professional community worker as he interacts with neighbourhood groups and service agencies. The author also indicates some of the strengths of collective action and its likely benefits and costs to those who participate. The book includes an examination of how to effect changes in the delivery of services from statutory and voluntary agencies, as well as an assessment of the community project of which the author was a staff member. The book is a contribution to the theory of community work and practice, and it is based upon the experience of those who worked in, and used, the Southwark Community Project, established by the National Institute for Social Work. It was written for practitioners, teachers and students of community work, as well as for other closely involved in community affairs such as teachers, playground workers, planners and social workers.

Two thirds of our planet is covered by oceans and seas. Over recent decades developments in ocean science have dramatically improved our understanding of the key role oceans play in the Earth System, and how vital they are for regulating global climate. Humans depend on the oceans for many resources, but at the same time their impacts on the marine systems around the world are of increasing concern. Introducing Oceanography has been written by two leading oceanographers to provide a succinct overview of the science of the study of the seas for students and for the interested adult wanting a topical guide to this enormous and complex subject. The initial chapters describe the oceans and the forces at work within them. The authors then discuss the effects of light, the chemistry of the seas and the food web before surveying biological oceanography in the main oceanic regions. The final chapter looks at the methodology of ocean study. Copiously illustrated, this book is intended for those whose interest in oceanography has been stimulated, perhaps by media coverage of declining resources or climate change and who want to know more. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.

This is the second volume of transcribed interviews about the poet Dylan Thomas. Journalist, broadcaster, and author Colin Edwards interviewed numerous sources close to Thomas for a planned biography of the poet, but he was unable to begin work before his early death. The transcribed tapes have been edited into two collections. This volume contains interviews with Fred Janes, Mably Owen, Vernon Watkins, Glyn Jones, and the villagers of Dylan's stomping grounds of New Quay, South Leigh, and Laughern, as well as with many others, including Dylan's friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.