scholarly journals Resettlement Stressors for Women of Refugee Background Resettled in Regional Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (8) ◽  
pp. 3942
Author(s):  
Clare Hawkes ◽  
Kimberley Norris ◽  
Janine Joyce ◽  
Douglas Paton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Regional Location ◽  
Regional Australia ◽  
Culture Of Origin ◽  
Practical Implications

Women of Refugee Background (WoRB) have been repeatedly identified as an extremely vulnerable population. Within an Australian context, WoRB are increasingly resettled to non-metropolitan locations, otherwise known as regional locations. Despite this, to date, no research has focused on the lived experience and challenges associated with the resettlement of WoRB to regional contexts. This study aimed to address this gap in the literature by investigating the resettlement experience of WoRB resettled in Tasmania—a state in Australia classified as a rural and regional location. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a group of 21 individuals (nine WoRB and 12 service providers). Thematic analysis identified four overarching themes—Communication Barriers and Lack of Fluency in English, Challenges Accessing Everyday Basic Needs, Loss of Connection to Culture of Origin and Inability to Access Mainstream Mental Health Services for Help. Participants also highlighted a number of unique gender-related vulnerabilities experienced during resettlement, which were exacerbated in regional locations due to health services being overstretched and under-resourced. Results of the current study are discussed in regard to policy and practical implications, taking into consideration the unique vulnerabilities experienced by WoRB, which, to date, are often overlooked.

scholarly journals A qualitative investigation of mental health in women of refugee background resettled in Tasmania, Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Hawkes ◽  
Kimberley Norris ◽  
Janine Joyce ◽  
Douglas Paton
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Help Seeking ◽  
Mental Distress ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Mental Health Needs ◽  
Regional Location ◽  
Services And Supports

Abstract Background Women of Refugee Background (WoRB) are a highly vulnerable population with complex going mental health needs following resettlement. In Australia, there has been a substantial increase in WoRB being resettled in rural and regional locations. Despite this, no research to date has specifically focused on factors contributing to mental distress in WoRB in regional resettlement locations. The current study aimed to address this gap in literature. Methods 21 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with WoRB and service providers in regional locations of Tasmania, Australia. Interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were analysed utilising Braun and Clarke (Qual Res Psychol 3(2):77–101, 2006) framework for conducting thematic analysis. Results Thematic analysis revealed that WoRB conceptualised mental health as a pathogenic entity, which significantly influenced their mental health help-seeking behaviours. The findings also highlighted how resettlement to a rural and regional location of Australia may exacerbate many of the factors which contribute to ongoing mental distress in WoRB. Conclusions The findings of the current study build upon existing research which indicates the adverse impacts post-migrations stressors can have on the mental health of individuals of refugee background. Furthermore, this study suggests that the current services and supports available to WoRB resettled in regional locations of Australia are inadequate, and under-resources. These findings are discussed in regard to practical and policy implications which should be addressed to better support the mental health of WoRB resettled in rural and regional locations of Australia.

scholarly journals Exploring Resilience, Coping and Wellbeing in Women of Refugee Background Resettled in Regional Australia

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Clare Hawkes ◽  
Kimberley Norris ◽  
Janine Joyce ◽  
Douglas Paton
Keyword(s):  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Daily Life ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Religious Practice ◽  
And Coping ◽  
Regional Australia ◽  
Practical Implications

This study aimed to address a significant gap in the literature by investigating how Women of Refugee Background (WoRB) conceptualise resilience and identify factors that WoRB endorse as contributing to their wellbeing and coping during resettlement. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a group of 21 individuals (nine WoRB and 12 service providers). Thematic analysis identified that WoRB struggled to define resilience, with endorsed factors not fitting with current hegemonic Western understandings and theoretical understandings of resilience. The findings also highlighted how religious practice, finding a community and having a sense of meaning and contribution in their daily life were significant coping and wellbeing factors during resettlement, however, were difficult to access in regional resettlement locations. Results of the current study are discussed regarding theoretical and practical implications, taking into consideration the unique vulnerabilities experienced by WoRB resettled in regional locations of Australia.

scholarly journals Developing and testing a principle-based fidelity index for peer support in mental health services

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Gillard ◽  
N. Banach ◽  
E. Barlow ◽  
J. Byrne ◽  
R. Foster ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Lived Experience ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Service User ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Clinical Patient ◽  
One To One

Abstract Purpose Evidence suggests that the distinctive relational qualities of peer support—compared to clinical-patient relationships—can be eroded in regulated healthcare environments. Measurement of fidelity in trials of peer support is lacking. This paper reports the development and testing of a fidelity index for one-to-one peer support in mental health services, designed to assess fidelity to principles that characterise the distinctiveness of peer support. Methods A draft index was developed using expert panels of service user researchers and people doing peer support, informed by an evidence-based, peer support principles framework. Two rounds of testing took place in 24 mental health services providing peer support in a range of settings. Fidelity was assessed through interviews with peer workers, their supervisors and people receiving peer support. Responses were tested for spread and internal consistency, independently double rated for inter-rater reliability, with feedback from interviewees and service user researchers used to refine the index. Results A fidelity index for one-to-one peer support in mental health services was produced with good psychometric properties. Fidelity is assessed in four principle-based domains; building trusting relationships based on shared lived experience; reciprocity and mutuality; leadership, choice and control; building strengths and making connections to community. Conclusions The index offers potential to improve the evidence base for peer support in mental health services, enabling future trials to assess fidelity of interventions to peer support principles, and service providers a means of ensuring that peer support retains its distinctive qualities as it is introduced into mental health services.

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”.

scholarly journals CLIMATE CHANGE FOR OLDER INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR DISASTER EVENTS

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S541-S542
Author(s):  
Allison Gibson
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Mental Health ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Income Inequality ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
Older Individuals ◽  
Permanent Housing

Abstract There is a growing field of evidence that individuals experiencing homelessness are disproportionately impacted by climate change due to factors like exposure to the elements, lack of resources and services, as well as disenfranchisement and stigma; all while experiencing greater occurrences of environmental injustice. Given that there are distinct needs for older individuals experiencing homelessness when affected by disasters, this study will report salient themes identified from qualitative interviews with five residential shelters on considerations they incorporate when disaster planning for their older residents. Thematic analysis revealed older age and homelessness have serious implications for planning, responding and in the recovery of disasters. Challenges to finding accessible transitional and permanent housing, limitations to workforce re-entry, increasing income inequality between classes, limitations to mental health services and policies, and cultural justifications for criminalizing poverty and homelessness contribute to our collective understanding of disaster vulnerability when older adults experience homelessness.

Recovery Star: validating user recovery

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 45-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Geoff Dickens ◽  
Judy Weleminsky ◽  
Yetunde Onifade ◽  
Philip Sugarman
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Internal Consistency ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Mental Health Recovery ◽  
Addictive Behaviour ◽  
Health Service Providers ◽  
The Uk

Aims and methodMental Health Recovery Star is a multifaceted 10-item outcomes measure and key-working tool that has been widely adopted by service providers in the UK. We aimed to explore its factorial validity, internal consistency and responsiveness. Recovery Star readings were conducted twice with 203 working-age adults with moderate to severe mental health problems attending a range of mental health services, and a third time with 113 of these individuals.ResultsMental Health Recovery Star had high internal consistency and appeared to measure an underlying recovery-oriented construct. Results supported a valid two-factor structure which explained 48% of variance in Recovery Star ratings data. Two Recovery Star items (‘relationships’ and ‘addictive behaviour’) did not load onto either factor. There was good statistically significant item responsiveness, and no obvious item redundancy. Data for a small number of variables were not normally distributed and the implications of this are discussed.Clinical implicationsRecovery Star has been received enthusiastically by both mental health service providers and service users. This study provides further evidence for its adoption in recovery-focused mental health services and indicates that items relating to addictive behaviour, responsibilities and work could be further developed in future.

Preferred Terms for Users of Mental Health Services Among Service Providers and Recipients

2000 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-209 ◽  
Author(s):  
Verinder Sharma ◽  
Diane Whitney ◽  
Shahé S. Kazarian ◽  
Rahul Manchanda
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Providers

Novel research on transition from child to adult mental health services in Europe: The MILESTONE project

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. S58-S59 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Tuomainen ◽  
S.P. Singh ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Care Pathway ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Adult Mental Health ◽  
Related Service ◽  
Competing Interest

IntroductionCurrent service configuration of distinct Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) and Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) is considered the weakest link where the care pathway should be most robust. Transition-related discontinuity of care is a major health, socioeconomic and societal challenge for the EU.ObjectivesThe overall objective of the MILESTONE project is to improve transition from CAMHS to AMHS in diverse healthcare settings in Europe.AimsTo improve the understanding of current transition-related service characteristics, and processes, outcomes and experiences of transition from CAMHS to AMHS using a bespoke suite of measures; to explore the ethical challenges of providing appropriate care to young people as they move to adulthood; to test a model of managed transition in a cluster randomized controlled trial (cRCT) for improving health, social outcomes and transition to adult roles; and to develop training modules for clinicians and policy guidelines.MethodsData will be collected via systematic literature reviews; bespoke surveys to CAMHS professionals, experts and other stakeholders; focus groups with service providers and users and members of youth and mental health advocacy groups; and a longitudinal cohort study with a nested cRCT in eight EU countries (Belgium, Croatia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, UK) involving over 1000 CAMHS service users, their parents/carers, and clinicians, with assessments at baseline, 9, 18 and 27 months.ResultsFirst results are expected in 2016 with further major findings following in 2019.ConclusionsThe MILESTONE project will provide unprecedented information on the nature and magnitude of problems at the CAMHS-AMHS interface, and potential solutions to overcome these.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

scholarly journals Influences on participation in a programme addressing loneliness among people with depression and anxiety: findings from the Community Navigator Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Frerichs ◽  
Jo Billings ◽  
Nick Barber ◽  
Anjie Chhapia ◽  
Beverley Chipp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Services ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Severe Depression ◽  
Feasibility Trial ◽  
Structural Level ◽  
Structured Interviews

Abstract Background Loneliness is associated with negative outcomes, including increased mortality and is common among people with mental health problems. This qualitative study, which was carried out as part of a feasibility trial, aimed to understand what enables and hinders people with severe depression and/or anxiety under the care of secondary mental health services in the United Kingdom to participate in the Community Navigator programme, and make progress with feelings of depression, anxiety and loneliness. The programme consisted of up to ten meetings with a Community Navigator and three optional group sessions. Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with participants (n = 19) shortly after programme completion. A co-produced two-stage qualitative approach, involving narrative and reflexive thematic analysis, was undertaken by members of the study’s working group, which included experts by experience, clinicians and researchers. Results The narrative analysis showed that individuals have varied goals, hold mixed feelings about meeting other people and define progress differently. From the thematic analysis, six themes were identified that explained facilitators and challenges to participating in the programme: desire to connect with others; individual social confidence; finding something meaningful to do; the accessibility of resources locally; the timing of the programme; and the participant’s relationship with the Community Navigator. Conclusions We found that people with severe depression and/or anxiety supported by secondary mental health services may want to address feelings of loneliness but find it emotionally effortful to do so and a major personal challenge. This emotional effort, which manifests in individuals differently, can make it hard for participants to engage with a loneliness programme, though it was through facing personal challenges that a significant sense of achievement was felt. Factors at the individual, interpersonal and structural level, that enable or hinder an individual’s participation should be identified early, so that people are able to make the best use out of the Community Navigator or other similar programmes.

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