There are many people and organisations to thank for the opportunity to write the original thesis, allowing me to think that I could have the audacity to publish it as a book, and supporting me to get there in the end. Firstly, of course, huge thanks go to Seán and Paula Barr. Thank you for always encouraging me to do what I want to do and to try to make a difference while doing it. Special thanks to my da for letting me barrow ‘medicalising the marginalised’. To my brother, Dermot. Thanks for always being available to chat through any issues I had and offering great insights. To Éimear, my real-life sister and hero, Seánna, Eilís and Rossa O’Cóinn. To Janet Raven-Martin and Ian Martin and, of course, and always, to Tom. You are the best. Thank you also to a person who we have yet to meet, but who has encouraged me to get the book finished before their arrival. We love you so much already.