Structured community activity for forensic mental health – a feasibility study

Abstract

Purpose – The restrictive nature of low secure mental health settings and the issues associated with risk management and safe practice raise numerous challenges which need to be overcome for individuals to engage in community-based programmes. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Two community-based schemes are described. The first uses the natural environment as a medium in which to deliver opportunities to develop vocational skills. The second provides exercise-based activity to promote healthier living. This paper aims to explore the acceptability, feasibility and sustainability of the projects along with the views and achievements of participants. Findings – Both schemes were well-attended with positive views from participants and others. Planned positive risk taking enabled individuals to participate in a safe and structured way. Initial evaluation of the projects suggest that they were viewed as acceptable by the service and valued by participants. Participation led to some individuals engaging in new opportunities for vocational and leisure activities. Practical implications – Fostering access to community-based occupational opportunities for those in low secure mental health services can be achieved safely and with numerous apparent benefits. Research is now needed to determine further the nature and extent of the gains made through such activity. Originality/value – This is the first known study of its kind utilising inter-agency collaboration to address the needs of those residing in a low secure mental health facility. Within the forensic mental health population, the standards of care recommend a comprehensive, recovery-focused approach aimed at building resilience and preventing relapse, with the need for thorough intervention for physical health needs. This study supports these recommendations by providing opportunities for planned positive risk taking, opportunities for social inclusion, skills development, increased access to physical exercise to address overall wellbeing.

Preventing Youth Homelessness through Social Procurement in Construction: A Capability Empowerment Approach

“…The affiliation domain findings support research which also shows that vocational construction training can encourage self-confidence, independence, social inclusion and create a sense of connectedness to the community [65,66]. It is widely recognised that homeless people's feelings of stigmatisation and isolation from mainstream society can undermine their pathways to employment [58] and researchers have also recognised the importance of positive social support mechanisms in securing and maintaining employment [67].…”

“…While our results only provided limited evidence that the outdoor nature of construction can strengthen connections with the natural world, it is notable that Nicholls [58] found the 'other species' component of Nussbaum's [40] framework to be of importance to homeless people and that other construction training programs for disadvantaged young people incorporated projects which included building bat boxes, ferret boxes and woodland projects [69]. Batterham [46] explains how homeless people can achieve a heightened sense of connection and belonging through interactions with nature and Roberts et al [65] found that construction training which used the natural environment as a medium to develop vocational skills reduced the depression and anxiety of participants. In Canada, there is also an innovative construction training program for homeless young people which focusses specifically on green jobs through projects such as energy conservation [30].…”

A Literature Review of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for Forensic Patients and Implications for Future Research

“…Further evidence concerning less-secure settings is obtained from Roberts et al study [24], exploring two community-based schemes: one promoting vocational skills; the other, healthier living. The vocational project offered educative outdoor activities through a notfor-profit organisation, where accredited qualifications were awarded on completion.…”

Working towards co-production in rehabilitation and recovery services

“…Davies et al, 2010) and has a history of development and innovation including the development of treatment programmes (e.g. Nagi et al, 2014) developing family involvement in low secure care (Nagi and Davies, 2015) and family liaison meetings in open rehabilitation (Davies, 2014) and utilizing community resources to support and foster inclusion (Roberts et al, 2015). These services have undergone significant redevelopment over the last two years; this process has caused us to reflect on our core values and recalibrate our "working compass".…”