Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
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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)
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)
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)