Service Users’ Perceptions of an Outreach Wellbeing Service: a social enterprise for promoting mental health

Hartley, SE (2017) Service Users’ Perceptions of an Outreach Wellbeing Service: a social enterprise for promoting mental health. Community Mental Health Journal, 53 (7). pp. 842-851. ISSN 0010-3853

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Abstract

Inadequate provision and limited access to mental healthcare has been highlighted with the need to offer more contemporary ways to provide clinically effective interventions. This study aimed to present an insight into service users’ perceptions of an outreach Wellbeing Service (WBS), providing psychological therapy in social settings. Descriptive and thematic analysis was undertaken of 50 returned surveys. Comparison of initial and final mental health measures demonstrated a significant improvement in all outcomes with 96% of participants reporting being helped by attending. Participants were assisted to rebuild social connections in a safe and supportive environment and were facilitated to become more self-determining as their resourcefulness to self-manage was cultivated. Situated within different settings within the community, the WBS offers a workable example of a novel approach to supporting and promoting citizens to become more resilient and lead a more fulfilling and independent life in the community.