Borders and helpfulness

In this chapter the borders of helpfulness are explored through the case studies, particularly the question of whether health and social care systems, at least in their current configurations, can do more than ‘prop up’ families? What does sustaining families look like? How do families deal with what they find problematic? And then, when they need help, what does helpfulness look like and what do these stories show us about how it could be better supported? Recognizing that helpfulness cannot be predetermined challenges and has implications for policy and planning services.