Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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Art for mental health's sake
- Authors:
- SECKER Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, July 2007, pp.34-36.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
In 2005 the Development for Culture, Media and Sport and the Department of Health jointly commissioned a study to contribute to the evidence base on the benefits for mental health of participation of arts work. This article reports findings from two key strands of the second phase of the research: an outcomes study providing quantitative evidence of the benefits of arts participation for people with mental health needs, and a series of qualitative case studies of six arts and mental health projects that explored how people benefited from arts participation.
New thinking about mental health and employment
- Authors:
- GROVE Bob, SECKER Jenny, SEEBOHM Patience, (eds)
- Publisher:
- Radcliffe
- Publication year:
- 2005
- Pagination:
- 162p.
- Place of publication:
- Abingdon
Until recently it has been assumed that people who experience severe and enduring mental health problems are unable to work, unless or until they recover. That assumption is now being challenged by international research demonstrating that, with the right support, people can succeed in finding and keeping a job even when they continue to need support from mental health services. This book draws together the research undertaken to date and combines it with mental health service users’ perspectives on the workplace to validate key points.
Mental health and art
- Author:
- SECKER Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, May 2011, pp.21-22.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Drawing on the findings from research conducted at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Central Lancashire 2007, the author discusses how art and artistic expression can help to improve mental health. As part of the study case studies were carried out with six diverse projects. Eight processes that were found to benefit participants in the six projects were identified. These were: getting motivated; focusing on art; connecting with others; rebuilding identities; expanding horizons; self-expression; connecting with abilities; and having time out.
Working all together
- Authors:
- THOMAS Tina, SECKER Jenny, GROVE Bob
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Today, June 2004, pp.30-33.
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Place of publication:
- Hove
Job retention schemes have an essential role in a recovery orientated mental health service. This article looks at a job retention team (JRT) based in Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust (AWMHTP). The JRT operates on a case management model, and offers a free service to people in employment currently experiencing mental health problems and at a risk of loosing their jobs as a result. The ultimate aim of the pilot is to develop a model for job retention services across the UK. Summarises findings from a qualitative evaluation of the project's first year of operation, from June 2002 to May 2003. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 of the 29 clients with whom the JRT had worked over the 12 months, 5 of their employers, 6 of their GPs and 2 case managers.
“‘It is a safe space’: self-harm self-help groups”
- Authors:
- BOYCE Melanie, MUNN-GIDDINGS Carol, SECKER Jenny
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health Review Journal, 23(1), 2018, pp.54-63.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a qualitative analysis of the role of self-harm self-help groups from the perspective of group members. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative case study approach guided the research, which involved working with two self-harm self-help groups and all regularly attending members. Findings: A thematic approach to the analysis of the findings indicates that self-harm self-help groups can provide a safe, non-judgemental space where those who self-harm can meet, listen and talk to others who share similar experiences for reciprocal peer support. Offering a different approach to that experienced in statutory services, the groups reduced members’ isolation and offered opportunities for learning and findings ways to lessen and better manage their self-harm. Research limitations/implications: This was a small-scale qualitative study, hence it is not possible to generalise the findings to all self-harm self-help groups. Practical implications: The value of peers supporting one another, as a means of aiding recovery and improving well-being, has gained credence in recent years, but remains limited for those who self-harm. The findings from this research highlight the value of self-help groups in providing opportunities for peer support and the facilitative role practitioners can play in the development of self-harm self-help groups. Originality/value: Self-harm self-help groups remain an underexplored area, despite such groups being identified as a valuable source of support by its members. This research provides empirical evidence, at an individual and group level, into the unique role of self-harm self-help groups. (Publisher abstract)
Development of a measure of social inclusion for arts and mental health project participants
- Authors:
- SECKER Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Mental Health, 18(1), February 2009, pp.65-72.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- London
This paper aimed to develop a social inclusion measure for use in a study assessing the outcomes of arts participation for people with mental health needs. Methods used were concept and question development based on literature review, national and European surveys and results of a survey of arts and mental health projects. Measure piloted with 23 arts participants/service user researchers and field tested with 88 arts project participants returning questionnaires including the social inclusion measure, a measure of empowerment and the CORE mental health measure. Three scales were constructed measuring social acceptance, social isolation and social relations. Internal consistency was good for the individual scales and for the measure as a whole. Correlations with empowerment and CORE scores indicate reasonable predictive power for the population. Tests to date indicate the measure is acceptable and measures relevant concepts with good internal consistency. Test-retest reliability and construct validity are not established and replication is required to confirm internal consistency and establish a normative profile for the population.
Modernising day and employment services in South East: the role of service user researchers
- Authors:
- SOUTH ESSEX SERVICE USER RESEARCH GROUP (SE-SURG), SECKER Jenny, TEBBS Mark
- Journal article citation:
- A Life in the Day, 12(3), August 2008, pp.29-32.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
A year-long review of day and vocational services was carried out in South Essex by local authority and primary care trust commissioners to help inform future commissioning plans. The review included a focus group to consult service users, carers, project staff and referrers across the area. This was undertaken by SE-SURG, a group of current and former service users who carry out research and consultation work for mental health service commissioners and providers. This article outlines how the consultation was undertaken, discusses the results, particularly in relation to the strengths and limitations of current services, service aspirations and staff expectations.
Empowerment and arts participation for people with mental health needs
- Authors:
- SECKER Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 6(4), December 2007, pp.14-23.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This article describes an evaluation of arts participation for people with mental health needs that both measured empowerment outcomes and explored the processes by which positive outcomes were achieved, through six qualitative case studies. For the outcomes study, 62 arts and mental health project participants returned a questionnaire soon after joining the project, and six months later. Six diverse arts and mental health projects took part in case studies. Results from the outcomes study showed significant improvements in empowerment and were suggestive of a strong causal link with arts participation. Analysis of the case study interviews revealed five processes through which benefits relating to empowerment were brought about. It is argued that psychological empowerment is in itself important for people with mental health needs. In addition, the case studies indicate that some arts and mental health projects do empower participants at a social as well as individual level.
Still dreaming: service users' employment, education and training goals
- Authors:
- SOUTH ESSEX SERVICE USER RESEARCH GROUP, SECKER Jenny, GELLING Leslie
- Publisher:
- Anglia Polytechnic University
- Publication year:
- 2006
- Pagination:
- 13p., bibliog.
- Place of publication:
- Chelmsford
This user-led research on mental health service users’ employment, training and education goals was conducted by the South Essex Service User Research Group and two academics from Anglia Polytechnic University, UK. It aims to inform vocational services of user views and assist in developing policies and practices which will help users find and keep real jobs. Face to face interviews were conducted with 82 users and a postal survey returned by an additional 159. Only 42% reported having a regular ay time activity, with 15% being in paid work. High numbers expressed interest in finding work (over 60%), or pursuing education or training objectives, but only 77% of these were currently receiving support to achieve their goal. User views revealed that help with mental health problems, benefits advice and support whilst in work were key, but that barriers existed such as the stereotyped attitudes of potential employers and the perceived threat to users' benefits. The authors recommend an evidence-based approach to such support, which they claim has been poorly implemented to date.
Mental health in the community: roles, responsibilities and organisation of primary care and specialist services
- Authors:
- SECKER Jenny, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Interprofessional Care, 14(1), February 2000, pp.49-58.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
UK health policy embodies two opposing trends affecting mental health care in the community: a move towards a primary care-led NHS which inevitably reflects the concerns of GPs with 'milder' mental illness, and specific mental health policies intended to refocus the specialist services on people with 'serious' mental illness. Describes a training needs assessment study undertaken with these opposing trends. Looks at these problems from the perspectives of three groups: primary care nurses, general practitioners (GPs) and community psychiatric nurses (CPNs). The discussion section of the article compares the findings of the study with a model for reorganisation put forward in the literature and highlights the obstacles to be overcome in bridging the policy gap.