27 research outputs found
"Keeping Control": a userâled exploratory study of mental health service user experiences of targeted violence and abuse in the context of adult safeguarding in England
The situation for people with mental health problems as a group of disabled people who experience targeted violence and abuse is a complex one. Disabled people, particularly those with mental health problems, are at higher risk of targeted violence and hostility with few effective evidenceâbased prevention and protection strategies. Achieving effective safeguarding for adults with mental health problems is characterised by differential attitudes to and understandings of abuse by safeguarding practitioners, as well as systemic issues arising from multiâagency working. âKeeping Controlâ was a 16âmonth userâled, coâproduced exploratory qualitative study into service user experiences of targeted violence and abuse that was examined in the context of Care Act 2014 adult safeguarding reforms in England. Userâcontrolled interviews of mental health service users (N = 23) explored their experiences and concepts of targeted violence and abuse, prevention and protection. Preliminary findings from these interviews were discussed in adult safeguarding and mental health stakeholder and practitioner focus groups (N = 46). The data were also discussed via two facilitated Twitter chats (responses N = 585 and N = 139). Mental health service usersâ experiences and concepts of risk from others, vulnerability and neglect can be different to those of practitioners but should be central to adult safeguarding. Histories of trauma, multiâfactorial abuse; living with fear and stigma as well as mental distress; the effects of âpsychiatric disqualificationâ and individual blaming should be addressed in adult safeguarding in mental health. Fragmented responses from services can mean a person becomes âlost in the processâ. Staff can feel disempowered, afraid or lacking in confidence to âspeak upâ for individuals in complex service systems with poor communication and lines of accountability. Adult safeguarding practitioners and stakeholders need to be confident, accessible and respond quickly to service users reporting incidents of targeted violence and abuse particularly in closed environments such as wards or supported housing
âDignity and respectâ: An example of service user leadership and coâproduction in mental health research
This paper explores the methodological aspects of a userâled study investigating mental health service user experiences of targeted violence and abuse (often called 'hate crime'). 'Keeping Control' was a 16âmonth qualitative study, undertaken in the context of adult safeguarding reforms in England. By collecting data on service user concepts and experiences, the research sought to address a gap in research and practice knowledge relating to targeted violence, abuse and hostility against people with mental health problems. In this paper, we discuss the significance of the design and methodology used for this study, with a particular focus on the interviews with service users. The research was both userâled and carried out in collaboration with practitioners and academics, a form of research coâproduction. Our aim is to inform researchers, practitioners and policymakers about the value of user leadership in coâproductive research with practitioners, particularly for a highly sensitive and potentially distressing topic
The pedagogy and principles of teaching therapeutic practice with children and young people.
Technical approaches suggesting that systematically produced, generalized, and scientific knowledge are the most solid foundations for practice present significant challenges for the social work profession, in which the decisions faced often are not technical but rather moral, requiring the application of ethically based and intuitive skills. Meanwhile, the command, control, and measurement of outcomes in social work practice also present significant conundrums for the delivery of relational person-centered social work and social care. With a focus too often on efficiency rather than on effectiveness, this managerialistic approach frequently fails to acknowledge the complexity inherent in the act of caring. In this context and framework, teaching therapeutic practice with children draws a balance between traditional systematic teaching methods and use of creative media including art, play, and music. This article outlines the positive contribution to professional social work practice that the teaching of therapeutic approaches to child care can make
"Keeping Control": a userâled exploratory study of mental health service user experiences of targeted violence and abuse in the context of adult safeguarding in England
The situation for people with mental health problems as a group of disabled people who experience targeted violence and abuse is a complex one. Disabled people, particularly those with mental health problems, are at higher risk of targeted violence and hostility with few effective evidenceâbased prevention and protection strategies. Achieving effective safeguarding for adults with mental health problems is characterised by differential attitudes to and understandings of abuse by safeguarding practitioners, as well as systemic issues arising from multiâagency working. âKeeping Controlâ was a 16âmonth userâled, coâproduced exploratory qualitative study into service user experiences of targeted violence and abuse that was examined in the context of Care Act 2014 adult safeguarding reforms in England. Userâcontrolled interviews of mental health service users (N = 23) explored their experiences and concepts of targeted violence and abuse, prevention and protection. Preliminary findings from these interviews were discussed in adult safeguarding and mental health stakeholder and practitioner focus groups (N = 46). The data were also discussed via two facilitated Twitter chats (responses N = 585 and N = 139). Mental health service usersâ experiences and concepts of risk from others, vulnerability and neglect can be different to those of practitioners but should be central to adult safeguarding. Histories of trauma, multiâfactorial abuse; living with fear and stigma as well as mental distress; the effects of âpsychiatric disqualificationâ and individual blaming should be addressed in adult safeguarding in mental health. Fragmented responses from services can mean a person becomes âlost in the processâ. Staff can feel disempowered, afraid or lacking in confidence to âspeak upâ for individuals in complex service systems with poor communication and lines of accountability. Adult safeguarding practitioners and stakeholders need to be confident, accessible and respond quickly to service users reporting incidents of targeted violence and abuse particularly in closed environments such as wards or supported housing