The Meriden Family Programme: Lessons learned over 10 years

Abstract

Background: Psychoeducational family approaches are effective in improving the quality of life for both those with mental health problems and their families, but implementation of these approaches within health services has been limited. The Meriden Family Programme has provided training and support for over 3,900 therapists and 242 trainers in Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) to encourage widespread delivery of effective services for families with a member who has psychosis or other serious mental health problems.Aims: This article synthesises healthcare professionals' and carers' views on the implementation of family work and ways of increasing family involvement in services.Methods: During the Meriden Programme's 10th anniversary year, three Masterclass groups (n = 27) were conducted with healthcare professionals and carers involved with the programme over the past 10 years.Results: A collaborative approach between management, commissioners, BFT trainers, therapists, carers and service users encourages and ensures the delivery of family work. The most effective types of support, methods of training and organisational factors in supporting family work implementation are illustrated.Conclusions: Best practices in implementing family work are identified to support and better inform those responsible for providing family work within their services.