Trust and Understanding: The person-centred approach to everyday care for people with special need Second Edition

Reviews of the first edition

This fascinating and thought-provoking book gives us a rare insight into the complexities of many people's lives. Individuals requiring personal support and their carers will discover several issues which resonate with the reality of their everyday experiences. However, it also offers much more than an in-depth picture of how things really are in institutions and communities where on-going care features highly; there are some wonderful examples of how actually to make a positive difference. So many care institutions operate from a service or systems led approach. Vulnerable people requiring care can very often find themselves in oppressive and harmful situations if they do not happen to fit into a particular category or box. Person-centred approaches offer individuals alternative ways forward within a human rights context. These approaches provide people with styles of personal care which allow them to make choices and take control of all aspects of their lives. This is vital if full citizenship and social inclusion are to become a reality for all people. The descriptions of the person-centred concept and styles of implementation found in these pages … help us to develop our own understanding and sensitivity towards the needs of others. The author offers a vision of how to develop trust and understanding, qualities which create a climate of empowerment and increase self-worth. Mandy Neville, Chief Executive, Circles Network, UK

This is an excellent book relevant to anyone working in the mental health field. Although the book focuses on people with special needs, it has a wider application for practitioners working with vulnerable and distressed people … There is something for everyone in this book, whether you are a trainee or an experienced practitioner in your chosen field. Pörtner's beliefs are consistently reflected in her writing. She is respectful and challenges us to consider our working practices in the interests of everyone involved. Charlotte Johnson, in HCPJ October 2002

This book should be in the libraries of educational establishments for all professionals who have contact with people in need of any kind of help, as well as being available to those directly affected by special needs. Although the book is aimed at institutional carers, it is extremely interesting and easy to read. Families, carers and people with special needs will all benefit from reading the book and find it heart-warming. Margaret Hindle, in Headway News, Spring 2002