European Journal of Social Work, 13(2), June 2010, pp.163-182.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
The article describes the logic, parameters, and methodology of an attempt at mainstreaming ethnicity within the ‘Empowerment of Mental Illness Service Users Through Lifelong Learning Integration and Action’ (EMILIA) project, a European Union 6th framework multi-sites project focused on mental health and social inclusion. This study, spread across eight sites in Southern, Central and Northern Europe, explores the findings of the baseline audit, the ensuing action plans and the changes which followed. Examining the process and its outcomes for mainstreaming across the different sites and the services they provide, it highlights the impact of country-specific policies on disclosure of information relating to ethnicity as well as country and site policies and practices relating to recognising the existence of ethnic inequality and tackling it. Issues underlying formal mainstreaming staff and users’ training are explored. The role of social work within a multi-disciplinary group is examined, and the lessons for European social work are outlined. Main findings include the difficulties encountered in carrying out ethnicity audits, and the relevance of ethnicity audit to staff and users and identified needs for further action. While positive action has been taken by different sites, ethnicity has not been perceived as a major issue for either the staff or the users of the project, which can be explained by the insignificance attached to having ethnic minority clients and staff members within mental health services.
The article describes the logic, parameters, and methodology of an attempt at mainstreaming ethnicity within the ‘Empowerment of Mental Illness Service Users Through Lifelong Learning Integration and Action’ (EMILIA) project, a European Union 6th framework multi-sites project focused on mental health and social inclusion. This study, spread across eight sites in Southern, Central and Northern Europe, explores the findings of the baseline audit, the ensuing action plans and the changes which followed. Examining the process and its outcomes for mainstreaming across the different sites and the services they provide, it highlights the impact of country-specific policies on disclosure of information relating to ethnicity as well as country and site policies and practices relating to recognising the existence of ethnic inequality and tackling it. Issues underlying formal mainstreaming staff and users’ training are explored. The role of social work within a multi-disciplinary group is examined, and the lessons for European social work are outlined. Main findings include the difficulties encountered in carrying out ethnicity audits, and the relevance of ethnicity audit to staff and users and identified needs for further action. While positive action has been taken by different sites, ethnicity has not been perceived as a major issue for either the staff or the users of the project, which can be explained by the insignificance attached to having ethnic minority clients and staff members within mental health services.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, mental health services, outcomes, racial discrimination, service users, social exclusion, social inclusion, social work, black and minority ethnic people, ethnicity;
Looks at standard four of the National Service Framework for Mental Health and the role of assertive outreach teams in achieving this standard and the issues which affect them.
Looks at standard four of the National Service Framework for Mental Health and the role of assertive outreach teams in achieving this standard and the issues which affect them.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, rural areas, severe mental health problems, standards, urban areas, assertive outreach, community mental health services, community mental health teams;
Analyses the reforms of mental health services in Europe. The article points out that all countries have only had mixed success in integrating provision and resource allocation and in developing joint professional approaches.
Analyses the reforms of mental health services in Europe. The article points out that all countries have only had mixed success in integrating provision and resource allocation and in developing joint professional approaches.
Subject terms:
joint working, law, mental health problems, mental health services, policy formulation, resource allocation, social care provision, comparative studies;
The needs of people with severe mental health problems who are also misusing substances are complex and challenging. Describes recent research that offers a valuable insight into the characteristics and incidence of dual diagnosis.
The needs of people with severe mental health problems who are also misusing substances are complex and challenging. Describes recent research that offers a valuable insight into the characteristics and incidence of dual diagnosis.
Subject terms:
literature reviews, mental health, mental health problems, needs, severe mental health problems, substance misuse, drug misuse, dual diagnosis;
Surveys some research examining whether mental illness is the cause of social exclusion in people with poor mental health, or whether social class and low income are the cause of mental illness.
Surveys some research examining whether mental illness is the cause of social exclusion in people with poor mental health, or whether social class and low income are the cause of mental illness.
Subject terms:
men, mental health problems, low income, poverty, social exclusion, socioeconomic groups, unemployment, black and minority ethnic people, gender;
The authors lay down some ground-rules for successful assertive outreach programmes.
The authors lay down some ground-rules for successful assertive outreach programmes.
Subject terms:
joint working, mental health problems, mental health services, multidisciplinary services, outreach services, social policy, social care provision, social work methods, assertive outreach, community care;
Community care for people with mental health problems has faced much criticism over the past year. Reports on recent studies which help to pinpoint the source of some of the problems which face practitioners and policy makers.
Community care for people with mental health problems has faced much criticism over the past year. Reports on recent studies which help to pinpoint the source of some of the problems which face practitioners and policy makers.
Subject terms:
joint planning, mental health problems, policy, social services, social care provision, care management, community care, community mental health services, health care;
Positive Publications/ Anglia Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health and Social Work
The Sainsbury Centre for mental health is undertaking a study of care management arrangements for people with mental health problems in four local authorities. Describes some of the preliminary findings on responsibility and accountability - two key points in the Griffiths Report on community care.
The Sainsbury Centre for mental health is undertaking a study of care management arrangements for people with mental health problems in four local authorities. Describes some of the preliminary findings on responsibility and accountability - two key points in the Griffiths Report on community care.
Subject terms:
home care, local authorities, mental health, mental health problems, performance management, quality assurance, surveys, standards, community care, evaluation;
This book gives an evidence-based account of assertive outreach from a Strengths perspective. Emphasising developing a collaborative approach to working with people with mental health problems, which stresses the achievement of the service user's own aspirations, and building upon the service user's own strengths and resources. The book gives a comprehensive approach to the subject, which combines both an overview of the policy and practice issues. It makes use of extensive case study material, to illustrate individual and team circumstances.
This book gives an evidence-based account of assertive outreach from a Strengths perspective. Emphasising developing a collaborative approach to working with people with mental health problems, which stresses the achievement of the service user's own aspirations, and building upon the service user's own strengths and resources. The book gives a comprehensive approach to the subject, which combines both an overview of the policy and practice issues. It makes use of extensive case study material, to illustrate individual and team circumstances.
Subject terms:
mental health problems, outcomes, policy, policy formulation, service users, social care provision, user views, assertive outreach, case studies, evidence-based practice, good practice;