Mainstream politics in Northern Ireland has not been welcoming to women, but many women have been present in community and voluntary organizations where their contribution has been outstanding. This book examines four organizations (including the recently-formed Northern Ireland Women's Coalition) where women have been active. It discusses the processes and structures created by these groups in order to work democratically across differences and argues that their experiences are invaluable to the development of feminist debates on democracy and difference.

'This is an ambitious book attemping to be relevant to a wide range of professionals in the health and welfare fields and to move from the macro policy context for change to the micro concerns of individual professional client relationships...There is much that will be of use and/or interest to both practitioners and researchers alike' - Social Policy Designed to lay sound foundations for continuing professional development in a world of rapid change, this Reader draws together key articles exploring the recent challenges facing professionals across the spectrum of health and social care....