Social work has often been described as the fifth emergency service. When disaster strikes, long after our colleagues from health, fire and police services have been and gone, social workers stick around to pick up the pieces.

Out of the Shadows is the first book to be published focusing on the role of UK social workers in disasters. Their involvement goes beyond the initial crisis as the impact of disasters have long term consequences such as displacement, loss, psychological issues and survivor guilt. This book focuses on the poignant and important personal stories of people with lived experiences of disaster. It also include voices of social workers and their organisational leaders who have been directly involved in providing support in disasters, their reflections and sharing learning for the future.

The impact of disasters not only affect those directly affected but also individuals, families, groups and local communities locally, nationally and internationally. This book provides an important opportunity to share and develop knowledge, skills, best practice and learning from disasters nationally and internationally and from social workers who have been directly involved in emergency responses as well as from the communities they have served.