The case for a diversion option to trauma‐informed community‐based primary mental health services for young people following early encounters with police

Abstract Background Migrant communities are often underserved by mainstream mental health services resulting in high rates of untreated psychological distress. This collaborative study built on evidence that mindfulness-based interventions delivered in-language and culturally tailored were acceptable and clinically effective for Arabic speakers in Australia. It aimed to establish whether a group mindfulness program produced expected outcomes under normal operational conditions, and to test its scalability and its transferability to Bangla speakers. Methods A 5-week mindfulness program was delivered to 15 Arabic-speaking and 8 Bangla-speaking groups in community settings. The mixed-methods evaluation incorporated a pre-post study. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the socio-demographic data, group attendance and home practice. Differences in DASS 21 and K10 scores from pre to post-intervention were tested using the nonparametric sign test for paired samples (two-sided). Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of selected sociodemographic variables, group attendance and home practice on clinical outcomes, based on intention to treat. Content analysis was used to examine the qualitative data. Results The program attracted 168 Arabic speakers and 103 Bangla speakers aged 16 years and over, mostly women. Cultural acceptability was evident in the overall 80% completion rate, with 78% of Arabic speakers and 84% of Bangla speakers retained. Both language groups showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in mental health outcomes on the DASS21 and K10. Thirty new referrals were made to mental health services. Participant feedback emphasised the benefits for their everyday lives. All but one participant reported sharing the mindfulness skills with others. Conclusions Across multiple and diverse groups of Arabic and Bangla speakers in Sydney, the community-based group mindfulness program was shown to have high levels of cultural acceptability and relevance. It resulted in clinically and statistically significant improvements in mental health outcomes, facilitated access to mental health care and boosted mental health literacy. This innovative, low-intensity, in-language mental health intervention that was originally developed for Arabic speakers is scalable. It is also transferable—with cultural tailoring—to Bangla speakers.

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Living Arrangements of Individuals with Schizophrenia in Japan: Impact of Community-Based Mental Health Services

International Journal of Social Psychiatry ◽

10.1177/0020764006061249 ◽

2006 ◽

Vol 52 (1) ◽

pp. 55-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Iwao Oshima ◽

Eri Kuno

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Living Arrangements ◽

Psychiatric Service ◽

Community Mental Health Services ◽

Psychiatric Hospitals ◽

Community Based ◽

Age Cohorts ◽

The Difference

Aims: In Japan psychiatric hospitals and family play the predominant roles in caring for people with serious mental illness. This study explored how the introduction of community-based care has changed this situation by examining living arrangements of individuals with schizophrenia who were treated in one of the most progressive systems in Japan (Kawasaki) compared with national norms. Methods: The proportion of clients with schizophrenia in the community versus hospital and living arrangements for those in the community were compared between the Kawasaki and national treated population, using data from the Kawasaki psychiatric service users survey in 1993 and two national surveys in 1993 and 1983. The variation in living arrangements was examined across five different age cohorts. Results: The estimated national population was 36.7, which was similar to 32.7 clients per 10,000 population in Kawasaki. Some 71% of the Kawasaki clients were treated in the community compared with 55% nationally. The difference between the Kawasaki and national populations was the largest among clients aged 40 to 59. The Kawasaki community clients had a higher proportion of clients living alone. Conclusions: The community mental health services available in Kawasaki appeared to reduce hospitalisation and help clients to live alone in the community.

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The divide between child and adult mental health services: points for debate

The British Journal of Psychiatry ◽

10.1192/bjp.bp.112.119206 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 202 (s54) ◽

pp. s41-s44 ◽

Cited By ~ 30

Author(s):

Clare Lamb ◽

Margaret Murphy

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Young People ◽

Health Services ◽

Discussion Paper ◽

Adult Mental Health ◽

The Uk

SummaryThis discussion paper outlines our personal views for debate on some of the complexities inherent in the crucial task of improving mental health services for young people in the UK.

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Experiences of men with psychosis participating in a community-based football programme

Irish Journal of Occupational Therapy ◽

10.1108/ijot-06-2017-0015 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 45 (2) ◽

pp. 100-111 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Laura Moloney ◽

Daniela Rohde

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Physical Activity ◽

Mental Health Services ◽

Health Services ◽

Occupational Therapy ◽

Positive Impact ◽

Physical And Mental Health ◽

Community Based ◽

Health Service Provision ◽

Content Type

Purpose Physical activity is associated with both physical and mental health benefits for people with psychosis. However, mental health services have been criticised for failing to adequately promote physical activities. Occupational Therapy, with its focus on meaningful everyday occupations, is well placed to incorporate physical activity interventions. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of men with psychosis participating in an Irish community-based football programme. Design/methodology/approach Six men with psychosis participated in qualitative interviews. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Interview data were analysed thematically. Findings Participants identified many benefits of engaging in the programme. Football became a valued part of weekly routines and fostered re-engagement with previously valued roles. Participants identified improvements in social confidence and motor and process skills, as well as a positive impact on their mental and physical health. Originality/value This study highlights the value and meaning of participation in football for men with psychosis, as well as demonstrating the longer-term feasibility of football as a therapeutic medium in Occupational Therapy mental health service provision. Findings could help to promote the routine use of sports interventions to mental health services.

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