News Release, 19 December 2001
Two new reports from the Mental Health Foundation have found that some people with mental health problems can benefit significantly from peer support in flexible settings such as drop-ins and user groups. People's experiences of drop-ins contrasted with their less positive comments regarding statutory sector day centres. As a result, the Foundation is calling for greater resources to be put into voluntary sector mental health drop-ins and user groups.
The Research Project into User Groups and Empowerment investigated whether such groups empower the people that attend them, and An Investigation Into Drop-Ins explored the impact of peer support on people with mental health problems attending drop-in sessions. Both studies were carried out by people with experience of mental health problems.
The drop-ins project interviewed 17 people at three voluntary sector drop-in groups in Wales, who reported that peer support in these groups was the most positive factor in improving their mental health. Almost half of those interviewed said that they "would not go out at all" if they did not go to the drop-in, and several people said that without it they would stay in bed all day. Nearly all of them had made friends through the groups and had found improved confidence and self-esteem.
One of the themes which emerged in the course of this research concerned statutory sector day centres which, in contrast to voluntary sector drop-ins, were commonly described as inflexible and offering clients little autonomy or independence. Comments included:
"At the day centre in the hospital, I had occupational therapy, silly quizzes and bingo…playing bingo for sweets. I found it condescending."
"The bus would come and pick me up and take me to the day centre, once there you were not allowed to leave the building until you were taken home. Here I am free to come and go as I please."
"Statutory day centres did not appeal…a slight raise in voice would be reported back to my doctor as an indication of the state of my mental health. I can use this place (drop-in) and still maintain my independence"
The user group project interviewed members of three user groups in central London, and found that attending these groups had a positive impact on mental health. Participants reported increased confidence and an ability to view their mental health experiences in a more positive light; also that the groups had acted as advocates when working with mental health professionals, which helped people take more control in these relationships.
Vicky Nicholls, the Foundation's Strategies for Living project co-ordinator, said: "Mental or emotional distress can be an incredibly isolating experience, and this research highlights the significant benefits for some people of interacting with others who have had similar experiences. However, drop-ins and user groups continue to have difficulties securing adequate resources, and we need to enable more people to have access to groups such as those featured in the research."
The Mental Health Foundation's recommendations following the reports include:
- Priority should be given to supporting and encouraging self-help groups, as well as ensuring that mental health service users receive information on groups in their local area.
- Mental health service user groups should be enabled to have an effective influence on mainstream services, without losing their independence.
- The importance of voluntary sector mental health drop-ins should be recognised, and services properly resourced and supported.
The reports on drop-ins and user groups were part of a series of six small-scale research projects led by mental health service-users and survivors, who were supported by the Mental Health Foundation. The projects all looked into alternative ways of coping with mental distress, such as the importance for Muslim men of attending mosque and the benefits to mental well-being of complementary therapies.
It was not only the recipients of the therapies and services who benefited; the researchers themselves reported changes too. They found that doing the research was a liberating and empowering experience, which increased their self-confidence.
User-led research is a growing area in mental health and the Foundation recommends that it should be recognised as a valid source of evidence in the development and assessment of mental health services.
Reports in this series:
Doing Research Ourselves. Book, January 2001. (gives an overview of the six user-led research projects supported by the Mental Health Foundation and the process by which that support was given) Price: £10 (£7 for mental health service users and survivors)
- An Investigation into Drop-Ins
- Research Project into User Groups and Empowerment
- An Investigation into Auricular Acupuncture
- An Investigation into Massage
- A User-Led Research Project into Mosque (exploring the benefits of mosque attendance for Muslim men with severe mental health problems)
- Alternatives to mainstream mental health provision
Return to news releases 2001
For further information and interview requests contact please contact the press office on 020 7803 1105 / 1128 or email the press office
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