Search results for ‘Subject term:"mental health problems"’ Sort:
Results 1 - 2 of 2
Homelessness and mental health: adding clinical mental health interventions to existing social ones can greatly enhance positive outcomes
- Author:
- COCKERSELL Peter
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Public Mental Health, 10(2), 2011, pp.88-98.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This study investigated the association between homelessness and poor mental and physical health. A pilot project run by St Mungo's suggests that adding clinical mental health interventions makes existing social care interventions several times more effective. The aim of the project was essentially to test the hypothesis that if chronically excluded adults were excluded because of their psychological disorders could a psychotherapeutic intervention reduce their exclusion? Two hundred and seventy four people were invited to attended therapy, of which 70% participated. Of those who did attend assessment, 80% went on to attend four or more sessions; most clients attended either two to four sessions, or more than 12. Attendance overall was 76%, and non-attendances were noted on 11% of occasions. Many homeless people become caught in the trap of hostels, prison, hospitals and the streets, often for many years. This study suggests that this form of homelessness affects people because of their mental health, and that social solutions alone are not sufficient. The authors concluded that offering clinical interventions alongside social ones could begin to transform this situation.
PIEs five years on
- Author:
- COCKERSELL Peter
- Journal article citation:
- Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 20(4), 2016, pp.221-230.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to consider evidence for the effectiveness of the psychologically informed environments (PIEs) approach to working with homeless people in the five years since the national guidance was published. Design/methodology/approach: The author reviewed the intended outcomes of the original guidance and then looked at a range of data from evaluations of current PIE services in UK and Ireland. Findings: The findings were that the PIE approach is effective in meeting the outcomes suggested by the original guidance; in reducing social exclusion and improving the mental health of homeless people; and in improving staff morale and interactions. Research limitations/implications: This is a practice-based evidence. There needs to be more practice-based evidence gathered, and it would be useful if there were some standardised measures, as long as these did not limit the richness of the data which suggests that PIEs have a wide, not narrow, impact. Practical implications: The implications are that homelessness services should use the PIE approach, and that they should be supported by clinically trained psychotherapists or psychologists; and that wider mental health services should look at the PIE approach in terms of working effectively with socially excluded people with complex needs/mental health problems. Originality/value: This is the first review of evidence, much of it so far unpublished, for the effectiveness of PIEs, despite the fact that this approach has been increasingly adopted by both providers and commissioners in the homelessness sector. (Publisher abstract)