Shaping the Future of Mental Health Policy and Legislation in Northern Ireland: The Impact of Service User and Professional Social Work Discourses

2007 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 423-439 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Wilson ◽  
M. Daly
2009 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 451-462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Deirdre Heenan

In a recent review of the mental health policies of its 42 member states in the European Region, the World Health Organization highlighted the need for further analysis of service user involvement in the policy making process. In the UK, a plethora of recent government policies and initiatives have stressed the importance of service user involvement in the design and delivery of health and social services. Their input is described as a fundamental requirement of a modern, flexible, responsive healthcare system. This paper reviews mental health policy in Northern Ireland, which has undergone a period of unprecedented activity and explores the extent to which service users have influenced the process of policy design and development. It raises questions about the extent to which a genuine commitment to and investment in user involvement has been achieved and comments on the prospects for the future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Hall ◽  
Ritsuko Kakuma ◽  
Lisa Palmer ◽  
Harry Minas ◽  
João Martins ◽  
...  

2003 ◽  
pp. 79-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
José M. Bertolote ◽  
José G. Taborda ◽  
Julio Arboleda-Flórez ◽  
Francisco Torres

1993 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 186-191 ◽  
Author(s):  
Harvey Whiteford ◽  
Bronwyn Macleod ◽  
Elizabeth Leitch

The Health Ministers of all Australian States, Territories and the Commonwealth endorsed National Mental Health Policy in April 1992 [1]. This Policy is intended to set clear direction for the future development of mental health services within Australia. The Policy recognises the high prevalence of mental health problems and mental disorders in the Australian community and the impact of these on consumers, carers, families and society as whole. It also clearly accepts the need to address the problems confronting the promotion of mental health and the provision of mental health services.


Author(s):  
Teresa Hall ◽  
Ritsuko Kakuma ◽  
Lisa Palmer ◽  
Harry Minas ◽  
João Martins ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Participation in mental health system strengthening by people with mental health problems and their families is a cornerstone of people-centred mental health care, yet there is a dearth of research about participation from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), particularly from the Asia Pacific region. Hence, this study aimed to assess the current situation, challenges, enabling factors and future actions for service user and family participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with 85 adults (≥18 years) who were: (1) mental health service users (n = 20) and their families (n = 10); (2) government decision makers (n = 10); (3) mental health and social service providers (n = 23); (4) civil society (n = 9); and (5) other groups (n = 13). Interview data was analysed using framework analysis. Results There was limited service user, family and community participation in mental health policy making in Timor-Leste. Perceptions that policy making is a technical exercise and that people with mental health problems lack cognitive capacity, and a lack of supportive mechanisms challenged participation. Enabling factors were a strong focus on human rights within the social sector, and existing mechanisms for advocacy and representation of people with disabilities in social policy making. Participants suggested bolstering civil society representation of people with mental health problems, and increasing mental health awareness and literacy, including government competencies to facilitate service user participation. Conclusion The findings highlight the need for theoretical and practical focus on the role of family within mental health system development in LMICs. Global mental health research and practice should adopt a critical approach to mental health service user and family participation to ensure that the concept and strategies to achieve this are embedded in LMIC knowledge.


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