Ben Robinson in conversation with Jerome Carson

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Ben Robinson ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Family Therapist ◽  
Mental Health Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
Single Person ◽  
Working Day

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Ben Robinson. Design/methodology/approach Ben provides a short summary of his life and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Ben talks about his inpatient treatment for anorexia and his long journey of recovery. Research limitations/implications Single case studies provide us with unique insights into the lived experience of people with mental health problems. They often provide us with hints as to how services could be improved. Practical implications Ben argues that the voice of service users needs to be heard more by professionals. “The only experts of a mental health problem are the people who have been through a mental health issue themselves”. Social implications One of the classic recovery reports talked about “going the extra mile”. Ben talks about how his family therapist would visit him at the end of her working day. As he says, “this was something she didn’t have to do, but wanted to do as she genuinely cared for us”. Originality/value Ben is determined to use his experiences for the benefit of others. Even to have helped a single person will be his biggest life achievement.

“When other people try to understand”: exploring the experiences of people with intellectual disabilities, who also have mental health problems

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-101
Author(s):  
Sasha Martine Mattock ◽  
Kieron Beard ◽  
Amy Baddeley
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Focus Group ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose Recent guidelines from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence highlight that service users (SUs) with intellectual disabilities and co-occurring mental health problems rarely get the opportunity to share their experiences of mental health services. Over the past 20 years, policy documents have stated that these individuals (SUs) must be included in decisions about their care. Research suggests that often this is not the case. Therefore, this paper aims to create a space for SUs to share their experiences of mental health services, and what they found helpful. Design/methodology/approach A focus group was held with five SUs, two psychologists and two researchers. The audio recording of the discussion was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis. Findings Three main themes were identified, namely, “relationships with others”, “inclusion and communication” and “challenges”. This focus group highlighted that although some SUs felt supported, they reported having little control in their lives and wanted to be listened to. Research limitations/implications Including a SU in the planning and facilitation of the focus group would have made this research more inclusive. Practical implications The implications of this research suggest that by listening to and involving SUs and developing more person-centred services, recovery rates may increase as the services provided would be more targeted. Originality/value Very little research has previously been conducted to explore SUs’ experiences. This paper highlights the value of being heard and the knowledge that is often lost if the authors do not take the time to listen to the people for whom a service is designed.

Remarkable lives: Jen Waring in conversation with Jerome Carson

2016 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 153-159
Author(s):  
Jen Waring ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Many ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Jen Waring. Design/methodology/approach – Jen provides a short biographical description of her life. She is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings – Jen talks about her long battle with mental health problems and what has sustained her over this time. She talks about the crucial importance of support from both loved ones and professionals, as well as medication. Research limitations/implications – Single case studies are of course just one person’s story. Given Jen is an academic biologist, she not only has a unique way of looking at mental illness, she can see the potential of developing approaches in the biological understanding for people experiencing mental distress. Practical implications – Jen’s account shows the need for long-term support for more severe mental health problems. There are no quick fixes! It also highlights the need for interventions at biological, psychological and social levels. Social implications – People need “somewhere to live, someone to love and something meaningful to do” (Rachel Perkins). Many sufferers do not have all three. Services may only be able to provide two of these. Originality/value – Accounts of mental illness recovery by academics can often provide the authors with amazing insights into the world of the mentally distressed. They can also serve as an inspiration to the many students who experience mental distress.

Maddi Faith in conversation with Jerome Carson

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-16
Author(s):  
Maddi Faith ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Maddi Faith. Design/methodology/approach In this single case study, Maddi gives a short background and the origins of her mental health issues and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Maddi tells the authors how her problems developed in her childhood and of the journey she has been on since. Research limitations/implications Single case studies provide a single perspective. Yet are they of any less value than a commentary by an academic? On the contrary, many offer unique insights into how the authors provide services for people with mental health problems, and of better ways to help them. Practical implications Maddi raises the issue of “falling between services”, with the result that the individual concerned does not receive the help they need. Social implications The persistent stigma of mental health problems is an issue that will need to be addressed for decades if it is to be overcome. Personal witness is vital in tackling this issue. Maddi has already done a lot to address this through her work at University. Originality/value The Trust the second author worked for, for many years used to have a staff “Made a Difference” award. Maddi surely deserves such an award for her own efforts to develop our understanding of the realities of mental health problems.

Journeys to work: the perspective of client and employment specialist of “Individual Placement and Support” in action

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 198-202 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynne Miller ◽  
Suzanne Clinton-Davis ◽  
Tina Meegan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Supported Employment ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Individual Placement And Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Employment Specialist ◽  
Personal Accounts ◽  
Individual Placement ◽  
Employment Specialists

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide the personal accounts of the journey back to work from the perspective of both the person entering employment and the Employment Specialist who assisted them. Design/methodology/approach – Two people with mental health problems who received help into employment from an employment service in a London Mental Health Trust were asked to give write their accounts of their journey. The Employment Specialists who assisted them in this journey were also asked to write their accounts. Findings – Reflective accounts – no findings presented. Originality/value – Much has been written about the effectiveness of Individual Placement and Support evidence-based supported employment, but little has been published about the lived experience of this approach from the perspective of both the person endeavouring to return to work and the employment specialists who support them. This paper presents two such accounts.

Attitude and behaviour change – it takes a generation

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
pp. 207-214
Author(s):  
Naomi Russell ◽  
Jennifer Taylor
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Young People ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Mental Health Stigma ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Stigma And Discrimination ◽  
The Social ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the work of the Children and Young People's Programme of Time to Change, which is England's biggest campaign to end the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws upon research into the nature and effects of mental health stigma and discrimination on young people and also outlines the strategy of the Time to Change campaign and its initial outcomes. Findings – The paper includes testimonies from young people with lived experience of mental health problems about the stigma and discrimination they have faced. It also outlines the aims, objectives and stages of implementation of the Time to Change Children and Young People's Programme. The paper particularly focuses on the campaign work undertaken in secondary schools, the social leadership programme for young people with lived experience of mental health problems and the process of designing effective campaign messaging for social media. Originality/value – Time to Change is England's biggest campaign to end the stigma and discrimination that surrounds mental health. This paper provides a unique insight into the process of developing and rolling out an anti-stigma campaign for young people.

Remarkable lives: Shaun Hunt in conversation with Jerome Carson

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 80-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaun Hunt ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Shaun Hunt. Design/methodology/approach Shaun provides a short biographical description of his life. Shaun is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Shaun tells us about the long journey of recovery that he has made to the point where he is now a University Lecturer. Research limitations/implications In large group studies the individual gets lost in statistical tables and the lived experience is absent. Single case studies provide us with stories to nurture and encourage us all. Practical implications Shaun says that we often miss the obvious question in our interactions with people with lived experience. “What happened to you?” seems a simple but telling conversation opener. Social implications As Shaun says there are some amazing people who work in mental health services, but they are the ones who spoke to him and not to a “schizophrenic”. Originality/value As Shaun also says, “Never, ever give up hope, no matter how dark and bad things become, there is always a way back”.

Shelley Seaton in conversation with Jerome Carson

2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-15
Author(s):  
Shelley Seaton ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Life Story ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Health Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Post Natal Depression

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Shelley Seaton. Design/methodology/approach Shelley gives a short background to her life story and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Shelley tells us about a number of life events that impacted on her mental health issues, starting with childhood bullying and also abusive relationships. Research limitations/implications The case study approach privileges the person’s lived experience. It also lets us see the unique complexity of each person’s story. Practical implications Shelley received little help in the form of counselling either at school or when she experienced post-natal depression. Social implications When mental health problems start in childhood, schools have a vital role to play. While the bullying stopped when Shelley’s Mum went to the school, the damage was already done. She was given no support to help her through this. Originality/value Patricia Deegan has asked, “Could you have survived what this person has survived?” (Deegan, 1996, p. 95). Shelley’s story is a tale of survival.

Why not a peer worker?

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 176-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fay Jackson ◽  
Tim Fong
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Health Issue ◽  
Mental Health Issue ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Positions ◽  
Hiring Managers ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Not For Profit

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective on peer work and insights from Flourish Australia’s journey in growing a thriving peer workforce. Flourish Australia is a large not-for-profit organisation that has been supporting people with their recovery journeys for over 60 years. The organisation provides, predominantly, non-clinical community-based support to enable people who live with a mental health issue and/or psychosocial disabilities to lead contributing lives in their community. Design/methodology/approach Flourish Australia developed and implemented a number of strategic directives in order to support the growth of a peer workforce. Central to these directives were policy positions that encouraged a shared understanding of the value and contribution that people with a lived experience of a mental health issue add to an organisation. From this policy foundation, the Why Not a Peer Worker? strategy and Transformation Peer Worker strategy were implemented and embraced by hiring managers across the organisation. Findings The “Why Not a Peer Worker?” campaign, coupled with the Transformation Peer Worker strategy, resulted in an increase in Flourish Australia’s peer workforce of almost 600 per cent over an 18-month period to now number 145 positions. Research limitations/implications This paper provides organisations who are seeking to develop or grow their peer workforce with practical ideas that have been successfully implemented by Flourish Australia that can be discussed and debated when developing a peer workforce. Originality/value This paper provides unique insights into Flourish Australia’s peer workforce journey.

Chanell Cumber in conversation with Jerome Carson

2017 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-17
Author(s):  
Chanell Cumber ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chanell Cumber. Design/methodology/approach Chanell starts by giving a short account of her life. She is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Chanell witnessed years of domestic abuse from her father towards her mother. This led her to develop mental health problems at a young age. Her account reveals her struggles to recover. Research limitations/implications While single case studies are just that, they offer us insights that are missing from many professional narratives. These can often allow us a unique window into peoples’ lives. Practical implications Chanell points out the need for mental health services to have a more prolonged engagement with people who use services and outlines why this is important. Social implications As a society we do not always reach out to quieter individuals who may go under “the radar”. Sometimes being more forward and offering people a chance to open up, may provide them with the opportunity to reveal the pressures they are under. Originality/value Each person’s story is unique and gives us differing understandings of the struggles that people battle with and how they have overcome these.

Prosper: a social movement approach to mental health

2014 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 188-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Barrett ◽  
Janette Benson ◽  
Rhiannon Foster ◽  
Alan Leader
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Social Movement ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Directed Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
South West ◽  
User Groups

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the conceptual basis and development of Prosper: an emerging and evolving self-directed network and movement for people with lived experience of mental health problems in South West London. Design/methodology/approach – The conceptual principles from which Prosper emerged – co-production, recovery and social movement approaches – are outlined. The ways in which these ideas were translated into action, the guiding principles and operation of Prosper are then described. Findings – An evolving self-directed network and movement has been developed that comprises around 150 “members” and a wider network of 20 service user groups across South West London. As well as open forums, collective actions fall under the themes of “create” (peer support, outreach, campaigns, training) and “collaborate” (partnership working with user-led organisations and a Recovery College, peer support networks, supporting the development of personal health budgets and local commissioning, and consultancy). This network has initially been funded by South West London and St George's Mental Health Trust with a view to it becoming an independent entity. Originality/value – The innovative and evolving social network and movement for people with lived experience of mental health problems that is continuously influenced and changed by the skills, ideas and energy of its growing and developing membership could act as a useful model for others to follow.

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