Pieces of Us

A beautifully crafted tribute to people, relationships, time and place.Set within an historic, social, economic and political context ‘Pieces of Us’ is an intelligent and at times deeply moving celebration of the power of human storytelling and the central importance of belonging, connectedness and community. This is a must read for anyone interested in the power of social capital and asset based approaches to mental health and wellbeing.Dr Rhiannon Cobner, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Child and Family Community PsychologyDoes place matter in modern life?Rob Sheffield, in an intriguing account of the social history of the Greenhill neighbourhood, Swansea, provides many insights on why the answer to this question must be a resounding ‘yes’. Based on personal interviews with residents, on his own experience of growing up in the area, and by drawing on the international literature on the disruptive impact on communities of large-scale urban renewal projects, he makes a passionate case for honouring the past and promoting effective citizen participation in city planning decision-making in the future.Robin Hambleton, Emeritus Professor of City Leadership, University of the West of England, Bristol, and Director of Urban Answers.In this highly personal narrative the author traces the ebb and flow (and meaning) of community in the Greenhill neighbourhood of Swansea. As a “local boy done good” Dr Sheffield draws on historical and public records, residents’ personal stories and his own recollections to suggest that the wealth and resilience of an impoverished neighbourhood may lie in the interactions and cohesiveness of its people. Without suggesting a one-size-fits-all solution the book offers economic, infrastructural, social, cultural and institutional clues to how we might tackle the challenge of sustainable urban living in a modern world.Dr Steffen Conn, Director – ISPIM: The International Society for Professional Innovation ManagementAn insightful and compassionate exploration of identity and change in a Welsh