This book is an essential introduction to the values, knowledge and skills required for working with different groups in different social work and social care settings. Accessible and comprehensive, it will be invaluable for students and practitioners in social work and the caring professions wanting to learn more about this key practice technique.

'Clearly written, this text is useful to students, managers, and practitioners alike - and not just those in social work, but in any other "people-orientated" professions.' - Lynda Hassall, Community Care

Reviews of the first edition:

'...covers the essentials of groupwork and raises all the questions pertinent to good practice...' - Voluntary Action

'...a useful general introduction to groupwork.' - Social Work Today

'...the most practical and down-to-earth primer on group work I have read.' - The Times Educational Supplement

Introduction
Practice and Potential
Practising Groupwork Values
Types and Purposes of Groups
Planning the Group
Planning Group Operation
Preparing to Facilitate or Lead Groups
Working with Groups
Supervision
Evaluating and Researching Groupwork Practice
Integrating Groupwork into Practice
Bibliography
Index

MICHAEL PRESTON-SHOOT is Professor of Social Work and Dean, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences, University of Bedfordshire, UK. He was Editor of Social Work Education (1993-2006) and is Managing Editor of the European Journal of Social Work. He is Chair, Joint University Council Social Work Education Committee and has researched and published widely on social work education, practice and social work law.