Fife College’s Kirkcaldy Campus has hosted the launch of the latest edition of a key textbook used by care students across the country.    

Now in its fourth edition, ‘Care in Practice’ is used by care and health students throughout Scotland and is a best-selling work of the publisher, Glasgow-based Hodder Gibson.

Fife College lecturer Alistair Barclay acted as Consultant Editor to the new edition with college students, including HNC Child, Health and Social Care student Kirsten McEwan, providing contributions to sections of the book. 

Alistair was joined by author Janet Miller and many other people and organisations who contributed, such as New College Lanarkshire, VSA Aberdeen and St. Philip’s School, Plains, at the launch event which took place in the atrium of the Kirkcaldy Campus. 

The launch was organised to thank all of those involved in the book’s production.  At the event, contributors read their often moving accounts of practice or experience, including Jim Allison who at 80 undertook an SVQ in care to help him with the care of his wife who had dementia. 

Erica Barry also discussed Therapet, a scheme which provides friendly, sociable dogs and owners to visit people isolated from association with pets. 

Janet Miller said: “The event was so uplifting – it was a great way of saying thank you and a real celebration.  You can’t write a book like this without involving the sector and I am so grateful to all those who attended and contributed.

“The College’s contributions really were invaluable.  Being a contributor is a great opportunity for students too as it highlights the important voice they have in the sector.”

Psychology lecturer Alistair Barclay said: “The launch event was really great.  It was nice to see everyone that contributed come together to celebrate now it’s been published – it really was a team effort!

“I was delighted to play my part in the editing of the latest edition.  It was really great to have some our students involved in the process too, sharing their experiences and best practice.”

To find out more about care and social sciences courses on offer at Fife College call 03442480115 or visit our course pages.  

Photograph: (L to r) Diane Ritchie, Academic And Quality Manager for Health and Social Care at Fife College, Alistair Barclay, Phycology Lecturer at Fife College, Janet Miller, Author of Care in Practice, Kirsten McEwan, Care student at Fife College and Lynne Watson, Care Lecturer at Fife College.