Ledwith and Springett's innovative approach bridges the divide between ideas and practice and allows the development of the knowledge that is needed to bring about transformative social change. Their ideas are founded on two premises: firstly, that transformative practice begins in the everyday stories that people tell about their lives and that practical theory generated from these narratives is the best way to inform both policy and practice. Secondly, that participatory practice is a tool for examining this knowledge that allows practitioners to examine the way they view the world and to situate their local practice within bigger social issues. The book will be of interest to both academics and community-based practitioners.

Margaret Ledwith is Emeritus Professor of Community Development and Social Justice at the University of Cumbria. She is also one of the coordinators of the international Collaborative Action Research Network. For many years, she was a community worker/educator in Scotland and North-West England which forged the foundation of a lifetime commitment to social justice. She has written two previous books: Community Development: A critical approach (2005) and Participating in Transformation: Towards a working model of community empowerment (1997). Jane Springett is Professor of Health Promotion and Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, where she facilitates a participatory action research group within the Institute for Health Research, and visiting professor at Kristianstad University, Sweden. She has a longstanding interest in ecological approaches to health and wellbeing which is informed by her background in human geography. She is passionately committed to participatory evaluation and co-edited the ground-breaking Evaluation in Health Promotion. 

Margaret Ledwith's profile page

Margaret Ledwith is Emeritus Professor of Community Development and Social Justice at the University of Cumbria. She is also one of the coordinators of the international Collaborative Action Research Network. For many years, she was a community worker/educator in Scotland and North-West England which forged the foundation of a lifetime commitment to social justice. She has written two previous books: Community Development: A critical approach (2005) and Participating in Transformation: Towards a working model of community empowerment (1997). Jane Springett is Professor of Health Promotion and Public Health at Liverpool John Moores University, where she facilitates a participatory action research group within the Institute for Health Research, and visiting professor at Kristianstad University, Sweden. She has a longstanding interest in ecological approaches to health and wellbeing which is informed by her background in human geography. She is passionately committed to participatory evaluation and co-edited the ground-breaking Evaluation in Health Promotion. 

Jane Springett's profile page