'The book makes it easy to dip into a topic and also gives good overviews of theories and applications. This will definitely help students' - Lesley Groom, University of Bolton. Carefully-researched and highly readable, this textbook looks at the experiences and health and social needs of key 'vulnerable groups'. It presents an engaging social science perspective relevant to everyone exploring how we, and society, care for the vulnerable. Each chapter defines and explores a vulnerable social group, bringing together theoretical, policy and practice perspectives. The chapters explore contemporary debates and offer a number of differing and thought provoking viewpoints. The lively and engaging style enables the reader to engage with the client group and to reflect upon their own learning and practice in a more meaningful way. The groups covered include: disabled people; children; older people; those living with mental illness; ethnic minorities; and, the homeless. Suggestions about further study, chapter activities and a glossary of key concepts support students' learning and develop understanding across the social sciences.The book will be invaluable for all those taking courses across health and social care. It will also be a great reference book for practitioners.