Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 25(2), 2021, pp.183-194.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: Overview of coaching for recovery. The paper aims to show an overview of work that was carried out over 11 years with groups of mental health and physical staff. As the facilitator who had run this course for the duration in Nottingham, this was an excellent opportunity to be at the forefront of a brand new project. Design/methodology/approach: The introduction of the skills are taught and treating the person, administering medication and not focussing on the inner person or personal recovery. The staff review has shown that in the clinical context change is happening from the inside out. Practical implications: “Helps change culture”; “change of work practice”; “it changed staff focus – not so prescriptive”; “powerful questions let clients come to their own conclusions”; “coaching gives
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose: Overview of coaching for recovery. The paper aims to show an overview of work that was carried out over 11 years with groups of mental health and physical staff. As the facilitator who had run this course for the duration in Nottingham, this was an excellent opportunity to be at the forefront of a brand new project. Design/methodology/approach: The introduction of the skills are taught over two consecutive days followed by a further day a month later. The idea of coaching is to be enabled to find the answers in themselves by the use of powerful questions and using the technique of the grow model, combined with practice enables the brain to come up with its own answers. Using rapport and enabling effective communication to deliver the outcome. Findings: Evidence from staff/clients and the purpose of the paper shows that when you step back it allows the individual patients/staff to allow the brain to process to create to come up with their solutions, which then helps them to buy into the process and creates ownership. Research limitations/implications: The evidence suggests that the approach that was there prior to the course was very much a clinical approach to working with clients and treating the person, administering medication and not focussing on the inner person or personal recovery. The staff review has shown that in the clinical context change is happening from the inside out. Practical implications: “Helps change culture”; “change of work practice”; “it changed staff focus – not so prescriptive”; “powerful questions let clients come to their own conclusions”; “coaching gives the ability to find half full. Helps to offer reassurance and to find one spark of hope”. Social implications: This has shown that the approach is now person-centred/holistic. This has been the “difference that has made the difference”. When this paper looks at the issues from a different angle in this case a coaching approach, applying technique, knowledge and powerful questions the results have changed. The same clients, same staff and same problems but with the use of a different approach, there is the evidence of a different outcome, which speaks for itself. The coaching method is more facilitative, therefore it illicit’s a different response, and therefore, result. Originality/value: The results/evidence starts with the individual attending and their commitment to the process over the two-day course. Then going away for the four weeks/six for managers and a commitment again to practice. Returning to share the impact if any with the group. This, in turn, helps to inspire and gain motivation from the feedback to go back to work invigorated to keep going.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Mental Health Review Journal, 25(4), 2020, pp.345-366.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to address two questions: what is the qualitative evidence for the effects of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training, as perceived by adults with mental health difficulties using it? What is the quality of qualitative literature evaluating WRAP? Design/methodology/approach: Five electronic reference databases and the EThOS database participation has positive self-perceived effects beyond those captured by measures of recovery. Broader implications are suggested regarding earlier access to WRAP, professional support and communication between professionals and service users. Recommendations for further research include the relationship between social support and illness self-management and peer-delivered acceptance-based approaches.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review was to address two questions: what is the qualitative evidence for the effects of the Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) training, as perceived by adults with mental health difficulties using it? What is the quality of qualitative literature evaluating WRAP? Design/methodology/approach: Five electronic reference databases and the EThOS database for unpublished research were systematically searched, as well as two pertinent journals. Study quality was assessed using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme criteria and results analysed using thematic synthesis. Findings: Of 73 studies, 12 qualitative papers met inclusion criteria and were generally good quality. Analyses demonstrated expected findings, such as increased understanding and active management of mental health in the context of group processes. Results also highlighted that WRAP training promoted acceptance and improved communication with professionals. Peer delivery of WRAP was highly valued, with contrasting perceptions of peers and professionals evident. Some cultural considerations were raised by participants from ethnic minorities. Research limitations/implications: WRAP training participation has positive self-perceived effects beyond those captured by measures of recovery. Broader implications are suggested regarding earlier access to WRAP, professional support and communication between professionals and service users. Recommendations for further research include the relationship between social support and illness self-management and peer-delivered acceptance-based approaches. Multiple time-point qualitative studies could offer insights into WRAP training processes and whether changes are sustained. Originality/value: As the first review of qualitative evidence regarding WRAP training, value is offered both through increased understanding of outcomes and also guidance for future research.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Aging and Mental Health, 24(11), 2020, pp.1926-1934.
Publisher:
Taylor and Francis
Method: The study used a mixed-method pre-post design. The study took place in NHS older people’s mental health services, UK. Staff participants were multi-disciplinary mental health team members from the same service. The intervention was a manualised staff-level recovery intervention called the Older Adults Recovery Intervention (OARI). Measurement included the Recovery Knowledge Inventory and the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ-7) as well as fidelity data and in-depth qualitative interviews. Results: OARI was delivered to 204 staff in 15 clinical teams. There was a statistically significant change towards improvement in four of the six recovery attitude and knowledge sub-scales. There were positive findings in change in practice at individual level, but not at team level. A number training needs. Overall, this study contributes novel data to the evidence base for recovery within older people’s mental health services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Method: The study used a mixed-method pre-post design. The study took place in NHS older people’s mental health services, UK. Staff participants were multi-disciplinary mental health team members from the same service. The intervention was a manualised staff-level recovery intervention called the Older Adults Recovery Intervention (OARI). Measurement included the Recovery Knowledge Inventory and the Recovery Attitudes Questionnaire (RAQ-7) as well as fidelity data and in-depth qualitative interviews. Results: OARI was delivered to 204 staff in 15 clinical teams. There was a statistically significant change towards improvement in four of the six recovery attitude and knowledge sub-scales. There were positive findings in change in practice at individual level, but not at team level. A number of context barriers were identified leading to the intervention not being delivered as intended. Conclusions: Further development of OARI will involve a clearer distinction about the practice implications for service users with dementia versus functional illnesses, a stronger focus on implementation support, more use of evidence in training materials and a tailoring of context to meet professional group training needs. Overall, this study contributes novel data to the evidence base for recovery within older people’s mental health services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
multidisciplinary teams, training, recovery, older people, mental health services;
Community Mental Health Journal, 54(5), 2018, pp.514-520.
Publisher:
Springer
Person-centred care (PCC) is a central feature of health care reform, yet the tools needed to deliver this practice have not been implemented consistently. Person-centred care planning (PCCP) is a treatment planning approach operationalising the values of recovery. To better understand PCCP implementation, this study examined the relationship between recovery knowledge and self-reported PCCP
(Edited publisher abstract)
Person-centred care (PCC) is a central feature of health care reform, yet the tools needed to deliver this practice have not been implemented consistently. Person-centred care planning (PCCP) is a treatment planning approach operationalising the values of recovery. To better understand PCCP implementation, this study examined the relationship between recovery knowledge and self-reported PCCP behaviours among 224 community mental health center staff. Results indicated that increased knowledge decreased the likelihood of endorsing non-recovery implementation barriers and self-reporting a high level of PCCP implementation. Findings suggest that individuals have difficulty assessing their performance, and point to the importance of objective fidelity measures.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
mental health services, person-centred care, training, person-centred planning, staff, recovery;
British Journal of Social Work, 45(S1), 2015, pp.i117-i134.
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
This paper describes the impact that learning about recovery has on mental health carers, exploring the implications of this research for UK social work and beyond. A steering group co-produced a training intervention on recovery that was delivered by the first author and a carer, both with experiences of recovery, to eleven carers. Mainly qualitative data, with supplementary socio-demographic data, were collected to evaluate the impact of this training. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. Findings suggest that being more ‘recovery-aware’ gives carers increased hope and optimism for the future. Awareness of the impact of caring upon the service user's life helps carers to promote recovery in their relative, and gain confidence in their own expertise-by-caring. Professional care is fundamental to recovery but needs to build on a partnership model. The carers evaluated the training as helpful, and valued its authenticity in being led by trainers with experience of recovery. Carers' expectations of professional practice are highlighted, with different approaches discussed that support effective carer involvement in their relative's care. Recognition of carers' expertise-by-caring
(Publisher abstract)
This paper describes the impact that learning about recovery has on mental health carers, exploring the implications of this research for UK social work and beyond. A steering group co-produced a training intervention on recovery that was delivered by the first author and a carer, both with experiences of recovery, to eleven carers. Mainly qualitative data, with supplementary socio-demographic data, were collected to evaluate the impact of this training. Thematic analysis was applied to the data. Findings suggest that being more ‘recovery-aware’ gives carers increased hope and optimism for the future. Awareness of the impact of caring upon the service user's life helps carers to promote recovery in their relative, and gain confidence in their own expertise-by-caring. Professional care is fundamental to recovery but needs to build on a partnership model. The carers evaluated the training as helpful, and valued its authenticity in being led by trainers with experience of recovery. Carers' expectations of professional practice are highlighted, with different approaches discussed that support effective carer involvement in their relative's care. Recognition of carers' expertise-by-caring demands a new approach to mental health care, with significant implications for British social work practice.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
carers, recovery, schizophrenia, training, mental health problems, evaluation;
Journal of Gender-Based Violence, 2(1), 2018, pp.57-73.
Publisher:
Policy Press
Major gaps exist in the literature around domestic abuse awareness courses and their aims and effectiveness (Williamson and Abrahams, 2014). This research explores the construction of responsibility within UK domestic abuse awareness programme discourse. Narratives of empowerment and responsibility for recovery for survivors can blur into others that blame the victim by making her responsible already experienced abuse: the underlying narrative of blame and responsibility for future safety is the 'cuckoo' in the nest that has the potential to push out the more positive message of recovery. Finally, it highlights the power of domestic abuse awareness discourse as a syllabus of recovery and empowerment and reinforces the need for further reflection on the role of groups within the UK.
(Publisher abstract)
Major gaps exist in the literature around domestic abuse awareness courses and their aims and effectiveness (Williamson and Abrahams, 2014). This research explores the construction of responsibility within UK domestic abuse awareness programme discourse. Narratives of empowerment and responsibility for recovery for survivors can blur into others that blame the victim by making her responsible for ending future abuse ('prospective responsibility', Virkki, 2015) or try to 'normalise' or cure her from entering into another abusive relationship. This research demonstrates the need for further consideration around issues of agency, responsibility, temporality and empowerment within domestic abuse group discourse. It also raises concerns around the use of preventative education with women who have already experienced abuse: the underlying narrative of blame and responsibility for future safety is the 'cuckoo' in the nest that has the potential to push out the more positive message of recovery. Finally, it highlights the power of domestic abuse awareness discourse as a syllabus of recovery and empowerment and reinforces the need for further reflection on the role of groups within the UK.
(Publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
recovery, recovery approach, responsibilities, domestic violence, social work education, empowerment, groups, survivors, training;
Research Policy and Planning, 32(3), 2016/17, pp.183-196.
Publisher:
Social Services Research Group
Carers’ views about their role in recovery are under-researched, and studies investigating their needs are underdeveloped. In this study, participatory action research was used; the researcher was supported by a steering group of eight stakeholders to co-produce a training programme on recovery and data collection methods to explore the meaning of recovery for carers. The programme was delivered and professionals can most effectively facilitate service user recovery. Issues of information exchange between carers and professionals and the impact of patient confidentiality are highlighted, the nature of recovery practice is considered, and the participants’ need to be regarded as ‘experts’ is addressed. A conceptual model of service design based on a recovery-oriented ‘triangle of care’ is presented.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Carers’ views about their role in recovery are under-researched, and studies investigating their needs are underdeveloped. In this study, participatory action research was used; the researcher was supported by a steering group of eight stakeholders to co-produce a training programme on recovery and data collection methods to explore the meaning of recovery for carers. The programme was delivered by the researcher, an expert-by-experience with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, and a carer of her son with a similar diagnosis, to a group of eleven participants. Mainly qualitative data was collected together with supplementary quantitative socio-demographic data from the participants. Selected findings based on the carers’ discussions are presented which focus on how the relationship between carers and professionals can most effectively facilitate service user recovery. Issues of information exchange between carers and professionals and the impact of patient confidentiality are highlighted, the nature of recovery practice is considered, and the participants’ need to be regarded as ‘experts’ is addressed. A conceptual model of service design based on a recovery-oriented ‘triangle of care’ is presented. The potential implementation of this model in the current UK mental health service context is considered with the need for co-production between all stakeholders to ensure its development.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
recovery, carers, service development, mental health problems, action research, training, staff-user relationships, mental health services, service users;
Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice, 11(3), 2016, pp.162-171.
Publisher:
Emerald
Purpose: Recovery Colleges strive to assist individuals in their journey of recovery and help organisations to become more recovery focused. The evidence base surrounding Recovery Colleges is still in its infancy and further research is required to investigate their effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to explore the subjective experience of people involved with a Recovery College: “The Recovery Academy” based in Greater Manchester.
Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study using data collected from four focus groups of Recovery Academy students who have either lived experience of mental health problems, are health professionals or are family members or carers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Four main themes emerged from discussing experiences of the Recovery Academy and its courses: ethos of the Recovery Academy; personal and organisational impact; value of co-production; and barriers to engagement and impact. The Recovery Academy can have a positive impact on the lives of students who attend the courses and offer benefits to the organisation in which it is run.
Originality/value: Recovery Colleges are gaining large interest nationally. However, to date there is a paucity of research on Recovery Colleges. This is the first paper to be presented for publication specifically on the Recovery Academy. The findings of this study suggest Recovery Colleges have the potential to positively impact students and facilitate recovery oriented organisational change. The findings can add valuable data to the emerging Recovery College evidence base.
(Publisher abstract)
Purpose: Recovery Colleges strive to assist individuals in their journey of recovery and help organisations to become more recovery focused. The evidence base surrounding Recovery Colleges is still in its infancy and further research is required to investigate their effectiveness. The purpose of this paper is to explore the subjective experience of people involved with a Recovery College: “The Recovery Academy” based in Greater Manchester.
Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study using data collected from four focus groups of Recovery Academy students who have either lived experience of mental health problems, are health professionals or are family members or carers. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings: Four main themes emerged from discussing experiences of the Recovery Academy and its courses: ethos of the Recovery Academy; personal and organisational impact; value of co-production; and barriers to engagement and impact. The Recovery Academy can have a positive impact on the lives of students who attend the courses and offer benefits to the organisation in which it is run.
Originality/value: Recovery Colleges are gaining large interest nationally. However, to date there is a paucity of research on Recovery Colleges. This is the first paper to be presented for publication specifically on the Recovery Academy. The findings of this study suggest Recovery Colleges have the potential to positively impact students and facilitate recovery oriented organisational change. The findings can add valuable data to the emerging Recovery College evidence base.
(Publisher abstract)
Journal of Mental Health Training Education and Practice, 10(5), 2015, pp.314-324.
Publisher:
Emerald
This paper presents a view from the voluntary sector, covering Together's experiences and learning over the past decade as one of the largest voluntary sector providers of mental health peer support. The paper outlines what peer support is, covering its history, variations and benefits, then goes on to discuss what the challenges have been to authenticity and what the future holds for peer support. The authors argue for the necessity of service user leadership in peer support based on both the Service User Involvement Directorate’s (SUID’s) experience and UK-wide learning. They report that peer support brings wellbeing and confidence benefits both to the supporter and the supported. However, the lack of understanding of what peer support is, the current climate of austerity and over-professionalisation can threaten the transformational power of genuine peer support. Peer support is always evolving, and there are areas like the criminal justice service and secure services where more work needs to be done. Commissioners/funders of mental health services should recognise the value of peer support and its potential for better wellbeing outcomes, while understanding the necessity of service user leadership to maximise its beneficial potential.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This paper presents a view from the voluntary sector, covering Together's experiences and learning over the past decade as one of the largest voluntary sector providers of mental health peer support. The paper outlines what peer support is, covering its history, variations and benefits, then goes on to discuss what the challenges have been to authenticity and what the future holds for peer support. The authors argue for the necessity of service user leadership in peer support based on both the Service User Involvement Directorate’s (SUID’s) experience and UK-wide learning. They report that peer support brings wellbeing and confidence benefits both to the supporter and the supported. However, the lack of understanding of what peer support is, the current climate of austerity and over-professionalisation can threaten the transformational power of genuine peer support. Peer support is always evolving, and there are areas like the criminal justice service and secure services where more work needs to be done. Commissioners/funders of mental health services should recognise the value of peer support and its potential for better wellbeing outcomes, while understanding the necessity of service user leadership to maximise its beneficial potential.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
peer support, wellbeing, mental health problems, training, good practice, voluntary sector, recovery, user participation;
... of staff building relationships with service users in order to provide meaningful support. Developing innovative ways of engaging with complex health and social care needs, promoting a rehabilitative framework and initiating person-centred approaches to care have the potential to facilitate both recovery and improved quality of life. In relation to staff training, the literature highlights the importance of interpersonal and interprofessional communication and the need for staff awareness of the potential for recovery in ARBD. The findings demonstrate that there is a limited field of literature addressing either experiences of people living with ARBD, or of those providing services and support to that population.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A rapid review to explore the experience of living with alcohol-related brain damage (ARBD) and the treatment or support offered. The literature was reviewed to find what models of care exist and what professionals and/or patients with ARBD consider best practice. The review was commissioned by Alcohol Change UK and carried out by researchers at the University of Edinburgh. Following database and hand searching, nine papers were included the final review. Findings are presented around three key themes: specific service requirements; ongoing insight about experience; and staff education and training. The literature highlights the complexity of the lives of those living with ARBD in terms of both social situation, comorbidities and engagement with services. It also highlights the importance of staff building relationships with service users in order to provide meaningful support. Developing innovative ways of engaging with complex health and social care needs, promoting a rehabilitative framework and initiating person-centred approaches to care have the potential to facilitate both recovery and improved quality of life. In relation to staff training, the literature highlights the importance of interpersonal and interprofessional communication and the need for staff awareness of the potential for recovery in ARBD. The findings demonstrate that there is a limited field of literature addressing either experiences of people living with ARBD, or of those providing services and support to that population.
(Edited publisher abstract)