Introduction
Aims of the project
The study aimed to find out how services could make sure that people found them easy to access and use. It focused on people with serious mental health problems that
get labelled as 'hard to engage'. It looked at assertive outreach services provided by the National Health Service and other outreach services provided by the
voluntary sector.
The main focus of the project
The main focus was on the views of people using the services and of those avoiding them, but it also included carers/supporters and staff. There was also a focus on
people from black and ethnic minority groups, including Gypsies and Travellers.
Background Information
The study took place from 2005 - 2008 in Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. It was a research project led by people who
had used mental health services. It was based at Bristol Mind and supported by the Big Lottery Fund. Following the research there was an implementation process, which
aimed to improve services in the study area.
Who took part
The study managed to recruit and interview a large number of participants who were all supposed to be 'hard to engage'. This has created a very full picture of what
supports good connection with both NHS and voluntary sector outreach services.
Findings
Despite being labelled as 'hard to engage', most participants wanted help focussed on their own concerns. Building and maintaining relationships with known staff
emerged as a key theme. Participants also wanted help with everyday life and a broad range of things, including help with housing and money.
Many people liked outreach services
Participants described positive experiences with both assertive outreach and voluntary sector outreach staff. Outreach services were generally seen as better than
other more conventional appointment based services that participants had used in the past.
Areas for improvement
Access needs to be improved to specialist help for people with more complex needs. This includes increased access to mental health support and more joined up care for
people who have both mental health difficulties and drug and alcohol problems.
In addition, there was insufficient access to decent housing with appropriate support.
What put people off services
Emphasis on prescribed medication for mental health problems put a lot of people off mental health services, and others found such services intrusive and controlling.
Being forced to go to hospital, being forced to take medication and staying in hospital were often experiences that undermined participants' willingness to engage
with statutory mental health services.
Follow up
The study made a number of recommendations for improvement focused on staff, service providers, planners, policy makers and commissioners. The findings from the study have been, and will continue to be, widely shared with local service users, service providers and commissioners and planners. They will also be reported in journals.
Implementation process
The study has included an extensive implementation process. Researchers have connected with many local stakeholders to discuss the implications of the findings for service provision and to consider how some of the difficulties identified in working effectively for people with complex needs might be addressed. What came out of this process was written up in separate report called "Improving services for people with compex needs: implementing the learning from the study 'Effective involvement in mental health services: the role of assertive outreach and the voluntary sector'". This report will also be available from Bristol Mind in the autumn of 2008.
Getting hold of a copy of the report
If you would like copies of the summary or the full research report please go to Flyer for Report and Summary. These documents will be available in the Winter of 2008. If you would like a copy of the summary or full report of the implementation process please email: assertiveoutreach@bristolmind.org.uk
View Gypsy and Travellers reports
View 'Do Gypsies, Travellers and Show People get the support they need with stress, depression and nerves?' (pdf, 200KB)
View the EASY TO READ version 'Do Gypsies, Travellers and Show People get the support they need with stress, depression and nerves?' (pdf, 3MB)
Contact details for the study
As this project is now completed there is no longer paid staff cover. Nonetheless, we will try to respond to any enquiries as soon as possible.
Rosie Davies
Bristol Mind
35 Old Market Street
Old Market
Bristol
BS2 0EZ
Email: assertiveoutreach@bristolmind.org.uk
Telephone: 0117 980 0382