Sustaining a focus on occupation in community mental health practice

Occupational therapists working in community mental health teams (CMHTs) are often challenged to justify their unique approach to health through occupation, within an environment that tends to press for generic working. Such a challenge requires practitioners to identify and communicate evidence that supports their unique occupational contribution. In the absence of extensive robust and relevant research evidence, it is suggested that the contribution of theoretical evidence be considered. This paper, therefore, explores the potential of occupational justice and its related concepts to provide the profession with a theoretical justification for occupational therapists adopting an occupation-focused role in CMHTs. It begins with an overview of how CMHTs, generic working and occupational science have evolved. The concept of occupational justice and its related risk factors are then analysed in relation to practice. The potential conflict between the professional commitment to client-centred practice and the generic worker model is also discussed. The paper concludes with recommendations for further exploration and consideration

Leading Communities of Practice in Social Work. Groupwork or management?

Social work in the UK has undergone a period of momentous change in the last decade with the introduction of a ‘modernising agenda’ that has increased managerial approaches to the organisation, development and delivery of services. Whilst posing a threat to some, these approaches are embedded and social workers must find ways of working within them to synthesise appropriate responses that promote the values and cultural heritage of social work within the new context. This paper considers the possibilities offered by communities of practice to develop learning organisations in which a managed and participatory approach to social care can be generated. A super-ordinate model of contending cultures is developed and practice that draws on and is predicated by groupwork principles is presented as a potential way forward

Learning beyond compliance: a comparative analysis of two cohorts undertaking a first year social work module

This paper addresses a current gap in education for sustainable development (ESD), an international educational movement, with a particular focus on teaching and learning innovations. Reflecting upon the mainstream 'business as usual' approaches in the ESD discourse, theories and practices of transformative social work are considered to make a significant contribution to that end. Empirical research was conducted to examine a new pedagogical approach introduced within an established module taught in 9 different groups to first year UK Social Work students during the academic year of 2007/8. The core change investigated was the replacement of detailed weekly instructions for teaching staff. The new guide articulated a pedagogical framework for the course and outlined themes and objectives, leaving detailed planning and delivery to individual teachers. Explorations were made through a comparative analysis of the responses of teaching staff and students for pre- 2007/8 academic years and 2007/8 year respectively. Data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. The research findings include students' positive view towards the classroom-based learning and some indications of deeper and wider understanding of social justice. Staff reported a renewed sense of professionalism. This research illuminates the potential for learning beyond compliance within existing curriculum frameworks

Shaping healthy communities: a report on the second symposium on the role of local authorities in reducing health inequalities.

Sheffield City Council achieved Beacon Status for its work on reducing health inequalities in 2007. The Council is hosting a series of three symposiums to promote more effective dialogue and action in this important area of local authority (LA) business. The first symposium - was held on 5th November 2008. This aimed to share an understanding of what works in tackling health inequalities and how, collectively, the region can develop significant and sustainable programmes of work in this area. A report of the symposium was compiled by staff of the Centre for Health and Social Care. The second symposium - was held on 20th July 2009. Its focus was LA practice in tackling health inequality: what are they doing well and where could practice be improved. This document reports from the second symposium

Inside out: the case for improving mental health care across the criminal justice system

Inside Out: the case for improving mental health care across the criminal justice syste