Abstract

Community-based participatory research is an enabling and empowering practice that is based in principles that overlap with those of mental health recovery. Using a participatory approach, an advocacy group called the Dream Team, whose members have mental health issues and live in supportive housing, planned and conducted a study of the neighbourhood impact of two supportive housing buildings in Toronto. The study found that tenants do not harm neighbourhood property values and crime rates, and that they do make important contributions to the strength of their neighbourhoods. This article demonstrates the strength of a self-directed collective of individuals who are prepared to challenge stigma and discrimination, and documents their use of participatory action research as a proactive strategy to contribute their knowledge to discussions that shape the communities, services, and politics that involve them.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call