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Immigration Removal Centres in England: a mental health needs analysis
- Authors:
- DURCAN Graham, STUBBS Jessica, BOARDMAN Jed
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 49
- Place of publication:
- London
Sets out the findings of a rapid mental health needs assessment across Immigration Removal Centres (IRCs) in England. Ten IRCs were assessed to explore the wellbeing of detainees, the services in place and the perspectives of people working with those detained. The report finds that people detained in IRCs often face significant challenges to their mental health and that levels of distress, problems with living conditions and lack of both certainty and liberty, all had a significant impact on the wellbeing of those detained. The most commonly reported problem was depressed mood or anxiety, and the most severe reported problems were hallucinations or delusions. The report finds some positive examples of services, such as psychological therapy, wellbeing groups and the support provided by chaplains. But it also finds that most detainees felt that they were not listened to, not taken seriously, or treated as if they were lying. Similarly, some staff reported that it was easy to become assimilated into a culture which disbelieved detainees. In addition, mental health care staff face significant challenges working in IRCs where people may be removed at short notice and face high levels of uncertainty about their future. The report highlights the multifaceted wellbeing needs of people in immigration detention, and makes recommendations to address this. It calls for greater lengths to ensure that those with a marked vulnerability are not detained; mental health awareness training for all IRC staff; 24/7 access to crisis care; and greater provision of alternative support such as peer support and relaxation groups. (Edited publisher abstract)
Covid-19 and the nation's mental health. Forecasting needs and risks in the UK: May 2020
- Authors:
- DURCAN Graham, O'SHEA Nick, ALLWOOD Louise
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2020
- Pagination:
- 16
- Place of publication:
- London
This briefing uses evidence from existing research about the likely impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the mental health of the UK population and the groups which face the highest risks to their mental health as a result of the crisis. It uses evidence from previous epidemics internationally and from the aftermath of the 2008 banking crisis to develop estimates. The analysis indicates that approximately half a million more people will experience a mental health difficulty over the next year. Those whose mental health will be put at risk as a result of the virus and the lockdown include people who have been bereaved, those who have received intensive hospital treatment for the virus, and staff working in health and care services. People facing violence and abuse, people with long-term health conditions, people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities, and people with existing mental health difficulties face an especially high risk to their mental health. The paper makes four recommendations for action to protect the nations mental health, which include: for the Government and Public Health England to provide advice to organisations on trauma-informed approaches to help people who use and work in them following the lockdown and for the NHS to develop a proactive and tailored offer of mental health support to those affected by Covid-19. (Edited publisher abstract)
From prison to work: a new frontier for Individual Placement and Support
- Authors:
- DURCAN Graham, ALLAN Jonathan, HAMILTON Ian S.
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 32
- Place of publication:
- London
Reports on a project which trialled an evidence-based model of employment support, Individual Placement and Support (IPS), with people with mental health problems leaving prison. The feasibility study ran across eight prisons. In total, 23 of the 61 people who engaged both during and after their time in prison were supported into employment. In addition, the service provided a range of ad hoc support with securing accommodation, seeking mental health support and applying for benefits. The report includes case studies of client experiences of IPS. Although the success rate of the pilot was lower than that of IPS in its trials within secondary mental health services, the report concludes that the IPS approach can be adapted successfully to support prisoners to get work when they are released. It calls on the Government to invest in a larger scale trial of IPS for former prisoners and to reform existing employment services in the criminal justice system. (Edited publisher abstract)
Keys to diversion: best practice for offenders with multiple needs
- Author:
- DURCAN Graham
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2014
- Pagination:
- 28
- Place of publication:
- London
Liaison and diversion services aim to identify and support people with mental health problems, learning difficulties and other vulnerable people in police stations and courts. This report identifies the key elements of successful liaison and diversion services in six services based in Lewisham, Manchester, Portsmouth and in Plymouth, Bodmin and Truro. The findings are based on visits to sites, interviews with staff, service users, and partners. It finds that the most successful teams offer support for a wide range of a person’s needs, they build packages of support from a range of local agencies, and they stay in touch with people after they have been referred to other services. The report then makes recommendations for NHS commissioners and liaison and diversion services. (Edited publisher abstract)
Restoring something lost: the mental health impact of therapy dogs in prisons
- Author:
- DURCAN Graham
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2019
- Pagination:
- 24
- Place of publication:
- London
An evaluation of a pilot therapy dog scheme introduced to three prisons in England by Rethink Mental Illness, as part of a project to test initiatives to reduce the risk of self-harm in prison. A total of 97 people initially took part in the scheme, with follow-up ratings available for 87. In addition, 24 in-depth interviews were conducted with participants and 12 interviews conducted with a wider group of stakeholders. Quantitative and qualitative data collected for the evaluation indicated that the therapy dogs had brought about considerable, measurable, and statistically significant benefit to participants. The evaluation found that the therapy dogs had a calming influence on prisoners, helped increase coping skills and strategies, and provided a safe space for them to explore ways of expressing and processing emotions. The evaluation recommends that the potential of therapy dogs should be further explore and should include the benefits of group-based therapy dog sessions. (Edited publisher abstract)
Report on the key themes from the Mental Health Act Survey: independent Mental Health Act review
- Authors:
- DURCAN Graham, HARRIS Androulla
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2018
- Pagination:
- 42
- Place of publication:
- London
Key themes from an analysis of responses to a survey, carried out to provide evidence for an independent review of the Mental Health Act 1983. The survey received over 2,000 responses from people with direct experience of the Mental Health Act 1983, that is those who had been detained or were currently detained, and people who were a carer for a person detained. This report focuses on the desired changes and reforms that respondents expressed a view on. It also includes people's experiences of the Mental Health Act, being detained under section or caring for someone detained under section. Survey results include that there was an acceptance of the necessity of compulsory detention and assessment and treatment under the Mental Health Act. However, concerns included: that in some cases little or no treatment was available unless someone was detained under the Act, that Community Treatment Orders were often perceived as being the only reliable guarantee of quick access to a bed when inpatient treatment was required, the 'paucity' of care offered when detained in hospital, a lack of appropriate community care, and carers sometimes not feeling informed or taken seriously. (Edited publisher abstract)
Preventing prison suicides: staff perspectives
- Authors:
- STUBBS Jessica, DURCAN Graham
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 8
- Place of publication:
- London
The fourth in a series of briefings into mental health in prisons, this briefing focuses on staff views on what contributes to vulnerability and suicide risk in prisoners. It also makes recommendations based on staff members’ views and their examples of promising practice. The briefing draws on findings from interviews and focus groups held with health care staff, safer custody officers and independent clinical reviewers working in prisons and for health care providers. The figures show that suicide in prison, incidents of self-harm and violent incidents have all risen dramatically over the past three years. Staff identified staffing shortages, inexperienced staff, a prison culture which views prisoner’s distress, self-harming or suicide attempts as ‘manipulative’ rather than ‘vulnerable’, and the increasing complex needs of the prison population as contributing to increased risk of suicide. Staff also highlighted arrival in prison as a time of increased suicide risk and the importance of completing assessments for new arrivals. Recommendations include: the adoption of a ‘stepped care’ approach’ where in which the whole system is responsible for a prisoner’s wellbeing and mental health support is available at every level of need; providing training and support for staff; and the need for robust assessments when a person arrives in prison. (Edited publisher abstract)
Beyond the gate: supporting the employment aspirations of offenders with mental health conditions
- Author:
- DURCAN Graham
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 16(4), 2012, pp.188-193.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
The Centre for Mental Health investigated what support is currently available within the criminal justice system to help people into paid work and looked in particular at employment opportunities for offenders with mental health problems on release from prison. This article describes the 5 key elements of effective practice identified in the investigation. These were: employers should play an instrumental role in creating opportunities; recruitment should be pragmatic, based on attitude and character rather than qualifications or health status; support should be offered to employees and their employers/managers for as long as they need it; opportunities for pre-employment and "in work" skills development should be linked to realistic employment opportunities; and criminal justice and other statutory agencies should facilitate effective pathways to real work and skills development. The article discusses the elements of effective practice and includes examples of schemes showing promising results and the potential to be used more widely. The study concluded that although offenders with mental health problems are less likely than other prisoners to be included in employment programmes, evidence-based approaches such as individual placement and support (the approach to supported employment for people in contact with specialist community mental health services) could be adapted to meet the employment needs of offenders with mental health conditions.
Unlocking a different future: an independent evaluation of Project Future
- Authors:
- STUBBS Jessica, DURCAN Graham
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 71
- Place of publication:
- London
Reports on the findings from a three year evaluation of Project Future, a community-based wellbeing and mental health service young men aged 16-25 with experience of the criminal justice system, specifically those exposed to serious youth violence or involved in gangs. The project aims to improve young people’s mental health and wellbeing, access to services, and education, employment and training opportunities with the long-term aim of reducing marginalisation offending. It draws on the INTEGRATE MODEL where mental health professionals coproduce a service with young people to meet local needs. The evaluation included interviews with young people and community members engaged in the project, outcome monitoring surveys, focus groups, and process of change workshops. A total of 198 young people worked with the project over three years. The evaluation saw a significant improvement in the wellbeing of young people during their contact with the project. The project also enabled young people to access other services, such as health, employment, training, and welfare. Criminal justice stakeholders also reported perceived reduction of offending amongst young people attending the project. Young people also reported the importance of Project Future in providing a safe space, routine, and purpose which helped reduce offending In addition, 18 young people were employed by the project as community consultants, responsible for co-creating the project. Project Future was perceived to be an environment that made young people feel safe, respected, supported and listened to and which enabled young people to see themselves in new ways and access new opportunities. (Edited publisher abstract)
Meeting us where we're at: learning from INTEGRATE's work with excluded young people
- Authors:
- DURCAN Graham, ZLOTOWITZ Sally, STUBBS Jessica
- Publisher:
- Centre for Mental Health
- Publication year:
- 2017
- Pagination:
- 14
- Place of publication:
- London
This briefing summarises findings of an evaluation of three projects developed by MAC-UK which worked with excluded and vulnerable young people, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. The projects - Music & Change, Positive Punch, and RO|OЯ - use the INTEGRATE approach, which engages with young people through co-designing and co-delivering projects, and by securing referrals through peers. The approach aims to wrap holistic support, including mental health and emotional wellbeing provision, around excluded young people. The evaluation looked at the impact of the projects on young people in terms of improving mental wellbeing; increasing social integration and help seeking; and reducing risk of offending and antisocial behaviour. It also examined whether the project had a wider impact on the community and whether it was successful in creating wider social change such as transforming services. The results found that all three projects were: successful in engaging groups of marginalised young people at risk of offending; increased mental health awareness and reduced stigma; and were successful in bringing young people into education, employment and training. The briefing also highlights wider recommendations to young people's services, including the value of peer team members and an emphasis on co-production. (Edited publisher abstract)