This book examines the multifaceted response to the Hillsborough Football Stadium Disaster, focusing on service provision, user effectiveness, and the impact on service providers. The author, Tim Newburn, draws on his background to analyze the effectiveness of services from the user's perspective and considers the experiences of those providing aid in the disaster's aftermath. The work specifically addresses the impact on workers and the implications for training and education, identifying potential applications for mainstream social work practices regarding stress and staff care.

The book offers a critical examination of disaster response, using the Hillsborough disaster as a primary case study. It aims to provide actionable insights for improving both immediate post-disaster services and long-term staff welfare within social work professions. The author's approach emphasizes the user's perspective and the often-overlooked impact on service providers. This work is likely to be of interest to professionals in emergency services, social work, and disaster management, as well as academics studying these fields.