ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an account of the main issues and themes identified during the meetings. These were recorded under the following: income; housing and local facilities; services; communication; parent’s needs; children’s needs; child protection issues; discrimination and oppression; equal opportunities. Low income was seen as a major problem for large numbers of individuals and families in the area. Debt and inadequate income provided a familiar context in discussions with local workers. A recurring theme in discussions with local workers was the inadequacy of ways of spreading information about services and about expectations and responsibilities of agencies, both statutory and voluntary. Low income, the stresses associated with it and low self esteem were thought by many workers to be associated with aggressive behaviour, lack of pride in themselves and in their environment. Workers identified the need for constructive activities and play schemes which provided meals and safe play areas for all age groups.
