Social participation and recovery orientation in a “low threshold” community mental health service: An ethnographic study

Toril Anne Elstad,Arne Henning Eide,Udo Schumacher

doi:10.1080/2331205x.2017.1362840

Toril Anne Elstad, Arne Henning Eide + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1080/2331205x.2017.1362840

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Abstract

Accessible and flexible “low threshold” community services have been recommended in order to assist people’s social participation and recovery from mental health problems. In this ethnographic stud...

Highlights

Introduction and backgroundMental health problems are often associated with risks of social exclusion and isolation (Huxley & Thornicroft, 2003; Knapp, McDaid, Mossialos, & Thornicroft, 2007; Rogers & Pilgrim, 2005; Sayce, 2000), and a “psychosocial approach” in mental health services has been recommended (Ramon & Williams, 2005)
This article aims to contribute to an understanding of how social participation can enhance mental health, by exploring social interaction in a “low threshold” community mental health service and what attending the service means for service users and their recovery
Four main themes were developed based on the analysis: “Available resources to assist recovery”, “Social participation”, “Mutual relationships” and “Social inclusion in the service and the c ommunity”

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and backgroundMental health problems are often associated with risks of social exclusion and isolation (Huxley & Thornicroft, 2003; Knapp, McDaid, Mossialos, & Thornicroft, 2007; Rogers & Pilgrim, 2005; Sayce, 2000), and a “psychosocial approach” in mental health services has been recommended (Ramon & Williams, 2005). A psychosocial approach in mental health work aims to support social inclusion by providing accessible, flexible and “recovery-oriented” services in local communities (Elstad, 2014; Elstad & Norvoll, 2013; Whitley & Campbell, 2014; Whitley & Siantz, 2012; Whitley, Strickler, & Drake, 2012). Such services have been encouraged as a strategy for health promotion (Dalgard et al, 2011; WHO, 2005). This article aims to contribute to an understanding of how social participation can enhance mental health, by exploring social interaction in a “low threshold” community mental health service and what attending the service means for service users and their recovery

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